Pankaj Kulshreshth has over three and a half decades of experience in hydropower generation, project execution, operations and maintenance. As executive director at Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited
(UJVNL), he has been instrumental in advancing key hydro projects such as Kaliganga I and Kaliganga II and Maneri Bhali II (MB-II), while also overseeing the construction of small-hydro plants under ADB funding.
Kulshreshth has made significant contributions to UJVNL, leading the commissioning and recommissioning of the Urgam small-hydro project as well as the preparation of detailed design and bid documents for renovation and modernisation projects.
Over the years, it has significantly expanded its portfolio by adding new projects, including Maneri Bhali-II, Dunao, Pilangad, Kaliganga I, Kaliganga II, Vyasi, Suringad and Madhyamaheshwar. The 300 MW Lakhwar project is currently under construction.
Discussing Uttarakhand’s hydropower development, Kulshrestha noted that the Local Area Development Fund (LADF), applicable to all hydropower projects above 5 MW, ensures that project -affected areas receive direct benefits under local infrastructure and welfare initiatives.
He also highlighted the formation of a joint venture, THDCIL-UJVNL Energy Company Limited, between THDCIL and UJVNL. On recent policy announcements, Kulshreshth stated, “The year 2023 also witnessed the notification of the Pump Storage Projects Policy and revised LADF guidelines, alongside the preparation of a master plan for power evacuation. In terms of tariff concessions, the state implemented a staggered structure for free power to CPSUs, starting at 4 per cent for up to 10 years and scaling up to 40 per cent beyond 41 years. Additional measures, such as 50 per cent SGST reimbursement and allotment of new projects for up to 70 years, have been introduced to further incentivise project development and private participation.”
He also identified the challenges faced by Uttarakhand in harnessing its hydropower potential. Frequent natural calamities such as flash floods, cloudbursts and earthquakes have delayed project timelines and damages infrastructure, resulting in 44 stranded projects with a combined capacity of 4,800 MW.
Despite the challenges posed by Uttarakhand’s hilly terrain, and environmental and rehabilitation concerns, Kulshreshth remains optimistic about the sector’s future. Kulshreshth is an electrical engineer from the University of Roorkee.