Shimla, Nov 9 A 100-year old hydropower project not only supplies electricity to the main power grid of Shimla but also preserves the British heritage showcasing age-old machinery and architecture.

The Chaba hydropower project is situated on the banks of Nauti River, the tributary of Satluj River in Chaba village, 45 kilometers from Shimla.

The British started building the 1.75 Megawatt Chaba hydropower project in the year 1909 and finished it in the year 1913.

The engineers and other employees of electricity board of the state suggest encouraging such projects, which use less capital cost in power generation.

"This project was started in 1909, to provide electricity to Shimla. We have the same century old machinery running in this project and power is being generated smoothly. The government should encourage such projects to provide employment to the youth in the state and also should preserve such projects as we have less capital cost in it," said B M Gupta, Junior Civil Engineer, Electricity Board of Himachal Pradesh.

British Colonel Basil Betty put up the project in 1909. The water is sullied to the project from Nauti River to a reservoir at hilltop, to produce electricity.

"This project holds a major importance for the state of Himachal Pradesh. A century ago, Shimla didn't have a power plant and Chaba power plant was introduced in the state. The buildings and the machinery are still the same and running strong. Till now, there hasn't been any requirement for improvements in the machinery and equipments running inside the plant," said Madan Mohan, a historian.

He added that such power projects in power generating states like Himachal Pradesh should be considered as historical monument. (ANI)