Gurgaon Smart Gird project hits roadblock over green belts in DLF

The Smart Grid project that promises 24-hour power supply in Gurgaon has hit a roadblock because of paucity of land even before the fist subdivision has been set up.

The Smart Grid project that promises 24-hour power supply in Gurgaon has hit a roadblock because of paucity of land even before the fist subdivision has been set up. Additional land is needed to set up two gas insulated switchgear substations in DLF phases 1 and 3 but only a green belt and a park are available.

The project will provide uninterrupted power supply by improving the ageing infrastructure in Gurgaon. (HT File)

Authorities said they held meetings with residents’ welfare associations (RWAs), apprising them of the requirement, and residents gave a positive response.

RWA representatives, however, said there has been no meeting with officials. They said occupying green belt for any construction activity is barred by the Supreme Court.

Power distribution companies Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam and Haryana Vidyut Prasaran Nigam Limited are jointly taking up the project.

The first subdivision under the first phase of the project will cover DLF and Sushant Lok areas. The project is divided in three phases. Tender procedure under the first phase worth Rs 7,000 crore is underway. The ageing power infrastructure in the city would be reinforced under the project with the aim of providing uninterrupted supply.

According to officials, eight new substations will come up under the first subdivision named DLF subdivision. The discom authorities have arranged for land in other areas with the help of the Municipal Corporation of Gurgaon and Haryana Urban Development Authority, but there is no land for two crucial substations to be set up in DLF 1 and 3.

There is no land earmarked for substations in DLF Phase 1 and on Moulshree avenue road in DLF Phase 3, said additional deputy commissioner Vinay Pratap Singh, the nodal officer of the Smart Grid project. He said half an acre is needed for each 66 kV gas insulated switchgear (GIS) substation.

“There is an undeveloped green belt in phase 3 and a park in phase 1 for which discussions are going on. GIS stations require less space but there has to be a dedicated space for infrastructure,” Singh said.