LAHORE/SIALKOT - Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar inaugurated a hydropower project near Head Marala here on Monday.
The chief minister said that the government was making hectic efforts to curb energy crisis.
He added that said that the PTI government was actively focusing on the production and promotion of wind and solar energy to meet the growing energy needs of the country. He said that the production of cheaper energy was the top priority of the government.
Briefing to the CM, Punjab Minister for Energy Punjab Dr Akhtar Malik said that the hydropower project had been established in Upper Chenab Canal (UCC) near Head Marala Barrage over River Chenab near at a cost of Rs3.98 billion under the supervision of the Chinese engineers.
Punjab Secretary Energy Aamir Jaan said that the hydropower plant had a total capacity of producing 7.64 megawatts electricity with four turbines of 1.9 megawatts capacity each, which were recently made functional after successful tests conducted under the joint supervision of Pakistani and Chinese engineers.
The power plant is linked with the national grid through the 1.5km 11,000 kilowatts main transmission line. It will produce 50.3 million units annually.
Akhtar Malik said that promotion of wind and solar energy has now become vital to overcome the energy crisis in the country. He said that previous governments did nothing practically to end the energy crisis, which badly affected the industrial sector and national economy.
He said that previous governments only made costly plans but remained unable to focus on production and promotion of wind and solar energy.
He said that it was the demand of the day that both Diamir and Bhasha dams should be constructed on top priority to avert the water crisis in the coming years.
On the occasion, the chief minister also announced early repairing of Sialkot-Head Marala Road and of dilapidated Sialkot-Pasrur Road.
He also announced early establishment of Special Economic Zone along the Sialkot-Lahore Motorway for providing better industrial and trade facilities to bring industrial revolution in Punjab.
CM SEEKS REPORT ON MURDER OF THREE PERSONS
Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar has sought a report about the murder of three persons, including an SHO near Muridke and has directed the Punjab Police inspector general to present a detailed report along with immediate arrest of the accused.
CM TAKES NOTICE OF CHILD
HIT BY PROTOCOL VEHICLE
Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar has taken notice of the incident of injury of a child due to hitting of a protocol vehicle and sought report in this regard. On his instructions, deputy commissioner and DPO Sialkot went to the residence of the injured child today; they inquired after his health and presented sweetmeats and bouquet.
Earlier, the child had a minor injury due to hitting of a protocol vehicle. He was given first-aid and was sent back home. The father of the child has forgiven the driver.