Shivendra Nath Verma, managing director, UJVN Limited, brings to the table over three decades of experience in the power sector. He is a versatile hydro professional with multidisciplinary experience. Prior to joining UJVN in 2015, he served as chairman and managing director, Jharkhand Urja Vikas Nigam Limited. He also worked in various capacities for developing the power sector in Jammu & Kashmir, Sikkim, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Jharkhand.
At UJVN, his key priority is to increase power generation to a satisfactory level (it is currently at a shortage level) and then augment it, while ensuring reliable supply at affordable prices. “For this, we need to make the best use of the opportunities presented by centrally sponsored schemes, multilateral institutions such as the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank, as well as financial support from the Uttarakhand government in the form of equity. My vision is to make Uttarakhand power surplus,” he says.
In the past two years, Verma has undertaken a host of initiatives for improving the hydro segment in the state. Detailed project reports for new projects have been submitted, construction of the 120 MW Vyasi hydroelectric project (HEP) is in full swing, and investment clearance for the 300 MW Lakhwar multi-purpose project has been obtained. A key highlight for Verma has been the formation of a JV between the Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh governments for the 660 MW multi-purpose HEP in January 2017, something he has pursued for long.
Some of the other key achievements of the company under his leadership include early completion of maintenance works at the Chibro powerhouse, tail race modification work of the 304 MW MB-II HEP resulting in an additional 34 MW of generation, and the commissioning of a number of solar power plants. These initiatives have enabled the state to curtail power procurement from external sources. Verma is also spearheading UJVN’s foray into power businesses like gas, solar and coal.
In terms of management approach, Verma says he accords high priority to feedback, counselling, team building, and interpersonal skills. A graduate in electrical engineering from BIT Sindri, Dhanbad, he also has a management degree in human resources. His hobbies include reading and listening to music. His family includes his wife, who has a doctorate in Hindi literature, and their two sons.