No compromise on Himachal’s interests, NHPC given notice for Baira Siul project takeover: CM Sukhu

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today said that there would be no compromise with the interests of Himachal and a notice had been issued to the National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC) for the takeover of the 180 MW Baira Siul hydroelectric power project.

To Chamba MLA Neeraj Nayyar’s question, the Chief Minister said in the Vidhan Sabha that Himachal would 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 taking over hydroelectric projects after 40 years of power generation is being followed world over,” he added.

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

Nayyar urged the Chief Minister to ensure that the uprooted families get the first preference in jobs in NHPC projects in Chamba district. Churah MLA Hans Raj said that it must be ensured that the NHPC gives preference to the 27 displaced families, some of whom had moved court to seek justice, in jobs,” he added.

Earlier, Naina Devi MLA Randhir Sharma raised concern over timely information not being furnished to the queries of MLAs. Una MLA Satpal Singh Satti had sought information about officers of doubtful integrity being given extension and how many of them had been excluded from this list. The Chief Minister assured the Opposition that information would be furnished as soon as it was collected.