No compromise on protecting Himachal’s interest: CM Sukhu

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today said there will be no compromise on protecting the interest of Himachal and a notice had been issued to the National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC) for takeover of the 180 MW Bara Siul hydel project.

Replying to a query by Chamba MLA Neeraj Nayyar in the Vidhan Sabha today, the CM said Himachal will fight for its legitimate rights. “In September, the state government will review all projects and the benefits that are accruing to Himachal. The practice of takeover of hydel projects after 40 years of generation is being followed world over,” he said.

Sukhu said top lawyers had been engaged to plead the case of the state government in courts so that 1 per cent of the money is spent on local area development as per norms. He also assured that the rights of the oustees, in terms of grant of adequate land compensation and jobs, will be protected.

Nayyar urged the CM to ensure that first preference must be given to the uprooted families in giving jobs in the NHPC projects in Chamba district. “Churah MLA Hans Raj said it must be ensured that the 27 displaced families, some of whom have been forced to move court to seek justice, must be given preference in jobs by NHPC,” he said.

Earlier, Naina Devi MLA Randhir Sharma raised concern over timely information not being furnished to queries sought by MLAs. Una MLA Satpal Singh Satti had sought information about officers of doubtful integrity (ODI) being given extension and how many of them had been excluded from the ODI list. Responding to concerns of the opposition, CM Sukhu assured that information will be furnished as soon as it is collected.