Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced on Tuesday that the central government has agreed to Himachal Pradesh's demand that the cost of power generation from the 422 MW Kishau Dam project be borne by the beneficiary states of Delhi, Rajasthan, and Haryana.
Breakthrough in Eight-Year Deadlock
Speaking after a high-level meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi, Sukhu said, "We succeeded in breaking the eight-year-old deadlock over bearing the financial cost for setting up the Kishau hydel project. The Centre has, in principle, agreed that the estimated cost of Rs 2,000 crore for the power component will be borne by Delhi, Rajasthan, and Haryana, which will receive water from the project."
Financial Benefits for Himachal
Sukhu stated that Himachal will receive its share of Rs 100 crore per year from the power component. Once the project is completed, this amount is expected to total around Rs 600 crore, significantly boosting the state's financial resources.
The Chief Minister highlighted that the project had been pending for eight years. Upon assuming power, he refused to accept the agreement signed by the previous regime in 2021-22, as it was not in Himachal's interest. "The previous government had agreed to pay Rs 800 crore as the state's share, which the present government refused in the interest of the state. The Central Government is providing a 90% grant for the water component to the three states, so it was not fair that Himachal should bear the cost of power generation," he explained.
Project Details and State's Concerns
The Kishau dam project is proposed on the Tons river along the border of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, with an estimated cost of Rs 15,000 crore. Since the project will displace populations, Himachal will bear the maximum loss. "Therefore, it was unfair for the state to bear further financial burden. In fact, Himachal should be compensated suitably," Sukhu added.
He emphasized that his government has always prioritized protecting the interests of the state and its people. "This is a major victory in the state's fight for securing its legitimate share in power projects and pending arrears," he said.
Meeting Attendees
The meeting was attended by Union Minister for Power Manohar Lal Khattar, Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil, chief ministers of beneficiary states, and senior officers from concerned ministries.
