Issue cancellation notices to delayed hydro project developers: CM to Power Dept

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed the Directorate of Energy to issue cancellation notice to non-serious hydro power developers, whose projects have remained stalled for many years. Presiding over a high-level meeting of the Power Department on Saturday, the Chief Minster said undue delay in the execution of projects was causing significant losses to the state exchequer.

“Hydro power is the mainstay in the state’s economy. The state government is committed to ensuring that benefits reach the people of the state,” he said.

Sukhu said his government was committed to safeguarding interests of the people of the state across multiple platforms and forums. In a major decision, the state government has decided to take back 382 MW Sunni, 210 MW Luhri Stage-I and 66 MW Dhaulasidh projects previously allotted to SJVN Limited.

“The government will not move ahead on the upcoming projects like Kishau and Renuka Dam unless neighbouring states gives concrete assurances to settle the pending arrears due from the Bhakra Beas Management Board,” the Chief Minister said.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister was informed that the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) had identified 4,403 MW capacity of power on Bhakra Dam and 8,700 MW on the Kol Dam for establishing pump storage projects. Sukhu directed the department to take lead in this direction and move forward immediately so that the people of the state reap maximum benefits from these projects.

Sukhu instructed Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited (HPSEBL) to complete the commissioning of Kaza solar power project by August, 2025, and to expedite the 1 MW solar power project with battery backup at Dhanwas in the remote Pangi valley of the Chamba district. This project is expected to be completed by December, 2025, and will guarantee uninterrupted power supply to 19 gram panchayats of the valley even during heavy snowfall.

Besides, the Chief Minister reviewed the progress of the Green Panchayat scheme, also known as the Clean and Green Village initiative, and directed to speed up the project. He took stock of the under construction 450 MW Shongtong Hydro Power Project and asked the power corporation to complete it within the stipulated time period.

Furthermore, it was also decided that the HPSEBL would establish five sub stations with 66 KV capacity, while 10 sub-stations having capacity of 132 KV and 220 KV would be set up by Himachal Pradesh Power Transmission Corporation Limited (HPPTCL) in accordance with directions of the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Regulatory Commission.

Himachal Tribune