Govt gets FCA clearance for Shongtong power project: CM

Tribune News Service

Shimla, July 31
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today said that the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change had granted the FCA Stage II clearance for the use of approximately 85 bighas for the 450 MW Shongtong Karchham hydroelectric project in Kinnaur.
The clearance, which had been pending since 2018, was essential for the construction of the project. “The persistent efforts of the state government have played a crucial role in achieving this milestone. This land was needed for the construction of the barrage, essential for completing the project. The FCA clearance had been pending for a long time, but the state government diligently worked to secure the necessary approval from the Centre,” said Sukhu.
He added that the Stage I clearance was granted by the Union Ministry on March 19. “Following this, a compliance report addressing the conditions stipulated for the in-principle approval was submitted and final approval was requested from the Centre,” he said.
The Chief Minister said the construction work of the 450 MW project, which was awarded in 2012, was expected to be completed by November 2026.
He said it was important to harness hydropower along with other renewable energy sources as the power sector was the key area to bolster the economy of the state. The Shongtong Karchham hydroelectric project would significantly boost the state’s power generation capacity and contribute to its economic growth.