Seek ED probe into Pekhubela power project, Sukhu dares BJP

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today dared the Opposition to seek a probe by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) into the Pekhubela solar power project if it suspected any wrongdoing in it. “The CBI is already looking into the case with regard to the death of Vimal Negi, Chief Engineer of HPPCL.. If the Opposition suspects any wrongdoing in the power project, it can seek an ED inquiry into it,” he said while responding to the allegations of wrongdoing in the project levelled by Jaswan-Pragpur MLA Bikram Singh Thakur.

Bikram brought up the issue while initiating a discussion under Rule 63 on green revolution the project would help bring in the agriculture sector through irrigation schemes. While stating that the 32 MW power project was planned to bring green revolution in the area, he said that the project had drowned following heavy rain due to bad engineering and poor design, and hardly any power had been produced through it. “The project was not set up at the required elevation due to which it had drowned. All inverters and other equipment have become non-functional,” he added.

The Jaswan-Pragpur MLA alleged that undue favours had been given to the company implementing the project. “The company was given the operation and maintenance contract for eight years, but it disappeared even though 99 per cent payment to it has already been made,” he alleged. He added that the detailed project report (DPR) of the project was amended several times to benefit the company.

The Chief Minister said that the project had not drowned as the MLA was alleging. He added, “When there is heavy rainfall, water can enter any place. Due to the rain, the project has been stopped and will become operational from September 15.” He rejected the allegations of wrongdoing and favouritism in the project and said that pending payments of the company, including performance bank guarantee, had been stopped and Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL) was now handling the project. “The DPR of the project was prepared by a Central Government undertaking. It seems Bikram Singh has developed some phobia about the Pekhubela project,” Sukhu added.