Himachal team reviews Shanan Powerhouse in Jogindernagar

In the wake of the Himachal High Court directions, a high-level team reviewed the Shanan Powerhouse, the first hydro-electric power station of India, situated at Jogindernagar, 20 km from here. Currently, the project is owned by the Punjab Government. It is to be handed over to the Himachal Government in 2024 after the completion of a 99-year lease.

A delegation of local residents had moved the court complaining about poor condition of the project. Following this, the court formed a two-member committee, headed by Additional Advocate General Nand Lal, to review the project and submit a status report. The committee, along with SDM, Joginder Nagar, Amit Mehara, and MLA Parkash Rana, visited the site and prepared a status report.However, with the lease agreement set to end in 2024, the Punjab Government has stopped taking interest in the maintenance of this 110 MW heritage power project. The project is losing its sheen, the trolley service has also been suspended, ropes and pulleys of haulage trolleys are in bad shape due to no maintenance.

Shanan Powerhouse

Commissioned in 1936, the Shanan Powerhouse was constructed under a 99-year lease deed executed between Raja Jogendra Sen of the then Mandi State and Col BC Batty, a representative of the British government, in 1925. During the reorganisation of states in November 1966, it was allotted to Punjab. The Shanan hydropower house used to feed undivided Punjab, Lahore and Delhi before Independence. Its marvellous setting made it a tourist resort. Thousands of tourists from across the world, including film stars and other dignitaries, visit Barot to enjoy the ride of haulage trucks and trolleys up to Barot.

Design

The project utilizes the hydroelectric potential between Uhl river at Barot and Jogindernagar that are separted by a crow fly distance of 7.3 km (4.5 miles) across a mountain range. Barot is at an elevation of 1829 m (6001 ft) while Shanon power house is at an elevation of 1283 m (4212 ft) ft. The water conductor system consists of a diversion dam at Barot, a tunnel and penstocks. The three penstocks include the two original 1.397 m dia and the third added for increased capacity in 1982 which is 1.83 m dia. The water from the power house discharges into Neri Khad in the River Beas catchment area.

Construction

British Engineer Colonel B.C. Batty wanted to construct 5 hydro-electric power stations by utilizing the water of Uhl river. To bring men and material for work to this place, a railway line was built from Pathankot to Joginder Nagar. To deliver construction material to hill top for making water reservoir at Barot, a funicular trolley way system was created there.
The plan was to use the water for 5 power projects, but could not be completed due to death of Mr. Batty, and it was stopped with only 2 power stations, the other being Bassi Power Station. However, the 3rd stage is under construction.
The original turbines were 4 x 12 MW. In 1982, the Punjab Government upgraded the original turbines to 4 x 15 MW and added a 50 MW turbine to a total capacity to 110 MW. Turbines are from Ganz mavag, Hungary.

By: Pooja Sharda