Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed officials to begin the process of taking over three hydroelectric projects—382 MW Sunni, 210 MW Luhri Stage-I, and 66 MW Dhaulasidh—previously allotted to Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd (SJVNL). The directive was issued during a high-level meeting of the Power Department on Thursday.
Renegotiation of Duggar project terms
The Chief Minister also instructed officials to renegotiate the terms and conditions for the 500 MW Duggar hydroelectric project being developed by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC). The company has proposed increasing the dam height, prompting the state to seek revised benefits. Sukhu stated that Himachal Pradesh would ensure appropriate returns commensurate with the updated project parameters.
Kishau dam deadlock resolved
Sukhu announced that the eight-year stalemate over the 422 MW Kishau dam project has been resolved. Under the new arrangement, Himachal Pradesh will not make any capital investment but will receive 211 MW of free power from the project. The state expects this to generate approximately Rs 600 crore in annual revenue.
“Hydropower is the backbone of Himachal Pradesh’s economy,” Sukhu reiterated. “The state government is committed to safeguarding the interests of the people of Himachal Pradesh. Appropriate steps are being taken to secure the state’s rightful share from its natural resources and ensure their optimum utilisation for public welfare.”
Meeting attendees
The meeting was attended by Principal Advisor to the Chief Minister Ram Subhag Singh, Principal Secretary (Finance) Devesh Kumar, Secretary (Power) Rakesh Kanwar, Director (Energy) Rakesh Prajapati, Managing Director of HPPCL Abid Hussain, and other senior officers.
