Technological solutions & compensation measures for right of way constraints in construction of large network of overhead transmission lines-Indian Experience Vyas A.K., Srivastava R.K., Anand Anish, Valecha D.K., Singh Prabhakar Power Grid Corporation of India Limited Online published on 30 May, 2021. Abstract Indian Power System, during the last decade witnessed tremendous growth in power generation & transmission capacity. Installed generation capacity crossed 330 GW and accordingly, to ensure its effective evacuation, matching transmission network of more than 375, 000 ckt km of EHV lines and associated substations has been established. Country's transmission system has progressively evolved from 220 kV to 400 kV to 765 kV level in AC and +/-500 kV to +/-800 kV HVDC over the years. Around 110, 000 ckt km of transmission lines comprising of approximately 50, 000 ckt km 400 kV & 25, 000 ckt km 765 kV have been added during last five years (2012–2017). Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd. (POWERGRID), in line with its commitment to the goal of sustainable development has taken many initiatives involving new technologies/innovative design to minimize the environmental impact and land requirement. With adoption of 765 kV D/C, +/-800 kV HVDC and 1200 kV UHVAC transmission lines in the country, quantum reduction in the Right-of-Way (ROW) requirement per mW of power transferred has been achieved. However, construction of transmission line is still a challenge in a country having more than 1.3 billion population due to direct interphase with them. Besides, the regulatory framework with respect to payment of compensation is quite complex and subjected to varied interpretation by different authorities. In addition, specific statutory permissions/clearances are also to be obtained from concerned authorities in case of transmission line passing through forest or protected areas such as National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries etc. In view of such challenges and consequent difficulties in ensuring scheduled commissioning of such a large network of transmission system, various measures have been introduced in recent past by utility, government and administration system to address issues related to Statutory clearances, RoW constraints and public grievances. These include streamlining the process of Forest/Wildlife clearance, compensation evaluation & disbursement, getting local/state administration support etc. with added transparency. The paper presents various initiatives taken by POWERGRID in application of new technological solutions to minimize the ROW & negative impacts of transmission lines and highlights the best practices adopted for environment & social management, which are in sync with the larger concept of Sustainable and Equitable growth. Top Keywords Overhead Transmission Line, Land Use, Right of Way (ROW), 765 kV D/C, +/-800 kV UHVDC, 1200 kV UHVAC, Multi Circuit, Forest & Environment, Compensation. Top |