World Bank expresses concerns about Rampur Hydroelectric project

The World Bank has criticized the lackadaisical attitude of the Rampur hydroelectric project authorities.

 
Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited, developer of the project financed by the World Bank, have failed to furnish the bank with details of the revised implementation and monitoring arrangements with respect to community development activities. The bank had asked for the information back in September 2010.

A team from the World Bank had recently visited the construction site to closely monitor the situation. The team identified certain gaps in the existing monitoring system, particularly at the local level, based on interactions the team has had with local people and members of the local administration. In this regard, the developer was asked to address these issues.

The World Bank has committed a loan of US$ 400 million for the project, being developed in joint venture by the Government of Himachal Pradesh and the Union Government.