Shimla: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu met Union Power, Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal Khattar in New Delhi, raising several issues concerning the state's power sector and urban development projects.
During their meeting Tuesday evening, Sukhu urged the Centre to increase Himachal Pradesh's free power royalty share beyond the existing 12% in central public sector undertaking (CPSU) hydropower projects that have completed the initial 12-year critical period.
He further sought an increase in the state's free power share to 50% in the 180-megawatt (MW) Baira Siul Hydroelectric Project, noting that the project has been operational for 44 years.
The CM also highlighted the delay in payment of energy arrears due to the hill state from the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) projects. He said Himachal Pradesh had borne high social and environmental costs during the execution of these projects, including large-scale displacement of people and unresolved rehabilitation issues of Pong Dam oustees.
Sukhu requested that Punjab and Haryana consent to the release of 13,066 million units of energy arrears pending as of October 31, 2011, along with 6% interest. According to the state government, the arrears would amount to approximately Rs 7,784 crore if paid in monetary terms.
Sukhu also raised the issue of the Shanan Hydroelectric Project and reiterated the state's claim to it.
Seeking support for urban development, Sukhu requested financial assistance for the proposed HimChandigarh and Aero City projects in Kangra. He sought central support for projects worth Rs 1,179 crore under the Urban Challenge Fund, release of pending funds of Rs 64 crore under AMRUT, Rs 12 crore under Clean Hilly and Himalayan Cities Initiative, and Rs 18 crore for implementing a QR-based digital door plate system across urban local bodies.
