By the end of February 2023, repair work on the 969-megawatt (MW) Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project (NJHP), which has been out of commission since July of this year, is anticipated to be finished.
The NJHP is undergoing continuous repair work to clear obstructions in its Tail Race Tunnel (TRT).
The water leakage in the powerhouse increased abnormally on July 4, 2022, while the plant was operating at full capacity. The ensuing seepages were managed by continuous drainage pumps. After a preliminary inspection on July 5 by the project consultants, it was determined that the surge was caused by excessive water pressure and obstructions in the TRT, and the powerhouse was shut down.
The contractor for the building of civil works, M/s China Gezhouba Group Company (CGGC), was contacted right away to perform the required corrective work. Due to the severity of the damage, the firm was quickly mobilized. A month later, on August 5, a contract was signed, and on August 27, repair work started. The seamless management of repair work has been ensured by taking the necessary steps.
The second element of the situation is determining what went wrong and how future difficulties with such a crucial power source might be avoided. In accordance with the prime minister’s instructions, a five-person Independent Panel of Experts (IPOE) was enlisted to look into the obstruction’s reasons. Although an early report outlining numerous factors has been filed, the specifics of that study have not been made public.
Documents show that National Insurance Company Limited (NICL), whose representatives were requested to attend the scene following the event, ensures NJHP.
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