Govt to allocate 22 hydropower projects of 828 MW capacity

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today said that the state government would soon allocate 22 new hydropower projects with a combined capacity of 828 MW.

The projects ranging from 6.5 MW to 400 MW were located across Kullu, Chamba, Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti and Shimla districts. He said that the largest allocation comprising nine projects with a total capacity of 595 MW was planned for the Chenab river basin. Additionally, eight projects totalling 169 MW were earmarked for the Sutlej river basin, four projects (55 MW) for the Ravi basin and one project (9 MW) for the Beas basin.

Sukhu said for the first time the state government would allot these projects to other states, union territories and central and state undertakings. The projects would be assigned on a 40-year lease with an upfront premium of Rs 10 lakh per megawatt.

A letter has already been issued by the Energy Directorate to secretaries of states and central undertakings, offering these projects. Apart from this, advertisements were also being released to ensure wide promotion and publicity.

The allotment of these 22 hydel projects would help harness the vast hydropower potential in the state and usher in economic prosperity of the area where they are set up.