By Shishir Prashant 
PrashantNews
A high-level World Bank delegation led by Global Director for the World Bank Group’s Water Department, Saroj Kumar Jha has lauded the progress and quality of work at the UJVN’s Ichhari project in Uttarakhand.
Ichhari is an on-stream type of PSP and is proposed to utilize the reservoir waters of the Chhibro powerhouse. The Ichari PSP has an installed capacity of 600 MW.
The delegation conducted an on-site inspection of key components of the Ichari Dam, executed by UJVN Ltd and expressed satisfaction with both the pace and standards of work.
The visit was part of a broader review of World Bank-assisted hydropower and dam safety initiatives in the country under the Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP).
The team, comprising senior water sector specialists including Dr. Sumila Gulyani, Carmen Rosa Yee-Batista, David Malcolm Lord, Mathews Mullackal, Vishakha Jha, and Chabungbam Rajagopal Singh, reviewed works carried out under DRIP Phases I and II. Particular appreciation was given to the upkeep of the dam’s foundation gallery, the functioning of monitoring instruments, and slope stabilization measures undertaken on the right bank.
The delegation also acknowledged the robustness of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) designed to ensure operational readiness during earthquakes and other natural disasters, terming them practical and well-structured.
During a review meeting, key aspects such as quality assurance, adherence to safety norms, timely execution, and sustainability were discussed in detail. The World Bank officials noted that the Ichari Dam project reflects India’s growing capacity to deliver complex infrastructure projects with high standards of governance and technical precision.
Saroj Kumar Jha particularly praised the leadership of UJVN Limited’s Managing Director Ajay Kumar Singh, noting that under his leadership, the organization has achieved accelerated progress, efficient decision-making, and a results-driven work culture within a short span of time.
“The renewed energy and direction under the current leadership are clearly visible in the timely and quality execution of projects,” Jha said.
The delegation also commended UJVN Limited’s institutional work culture, technical expertise, and team commitment, describing it as a benchmark for similar projects across the country.
Senior officials from UJVN Limited, including Director (Projects) Suresh Chandra Baluni, Executive Director (Finance) Sudhakar Badoni, and Executive Director (Civil) Rajeev Agrawal, were present during the inspection.
UJVN Managing Director Ajay Kumar Singh reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to completing DRIP and other ongoing projects within stipulated timelines while maintaining high quality standards, contributing significantly to the sustainable development of India’s energy sector.