PIONEER NEWS SERVICE/ Dehradun In a major initiative to tap geothermal energy of the tectonically active Himalayan belt of the State, the Uttarakhand government has formulated the Uttarakhand Geothermal Policy- 2025. The policy was endorsed by the State cabinet in its meeting held on Wednesday. The objective of the policy is to encourage scientific and technological research for identifying geothermal resources which are economically and environmentally viable. It also envisages development and usage of the geothermal spots and their use in power generation, heating and cooling systems, water purification and community development. The officials claim that the policy will also help in reducing carbon emission and will strengthen the energy security of the State. It is pertinent to mention here that the Geological Survey of India and the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dehradun have identified about 40 sites in Uttarakhand, where geothermal energy can be harnessed. Initial studies show that such areas in the State are concentrated in Badrinath and Tapowan region of Chamoli district. In January this year, the Uttarakhand government had inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for exploration of geothermal energy with Verkis Consultancy Engineers, a company based in Iceland. The new policy will cover all the geothermal projects which will be allotted for a period of 30 years. The implementation of the policy will be done by the department of Power with the help of Uttarakhand Renewable Energy Development Authority (UREDA) and UJVN limited. In an important decision, the cabinet gave its nod for the proposal for continued disbursal of widow and old age pensions to such beneficiaries whose children have attained the age of 18 years. In another decision the cabinet approved the plan for setting up a project management unit (PMU) for increasing the capacity of the bridges under the Public Works Department. A decision to create 20 new posts in the vigilance department was also taken in the meeting. The cabinet approved the proposal to enlist seven companies for supply of services and material for information technology in the State. The cabinet also approved the proposals regarding setting up Uttarakhand State Mineral Exploration Trust regulation 2025 and Uttarakhand District Mineral Foundation Trust regulation 2025. A proposal for setting up a digital forensic laboratory under the State Taxes department was also approved by the cabinet.
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