Sukhu invites other state govts to take up hydropower projects in Himachal

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today said that Himachal would welcome other states to take up hydroelectric power generation projects rather than partnering with central public sector undertakings (CPSUs), which have not given Himachal its due.

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Sukhu, while addressing mediapersons after the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the execution of two hydroelectric projects with the Telengana Government, said that Himachal’s interests had not been protected in the agreements signed earlier for the setting up of Luhri, Sunni and Dhaula Sidh hydropower projects.

The agreement between Telengana and Himachal Pradesh was signed for the execution of 400 MW Selli and 140 MW Miyar hydroelectric projects. Telengana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka was present on the occasion.

Sukhu said, “We have decided to take back these projects from the CPSUs as Himachal is not getting its due.” He added that the state government had taken a policy decision to seek enhanced free power at the rate of 12 per cent, 18 per cent and 30 per cent and the return of the hydroelectric projects after 40 years. “We have decided that we will not give any project to any agency for perpetuity,” he added.

He lamented that the CPSUs like the National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC), National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) and Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd (SJVNL) had grown tremendously through hydroelectric power generation but Himachal had not got its legitimate dues. “The SJVNL has grown to become a Rs 67,000 crore company while the Budget of the Himachal Government is mere Rs 58,000 crore,” he added.

The Chief Minister said that Himachal would advertise the maximum number of projects and make changes in the policy, if needed, to make the state self-reliant. “If any state government is willing to take up projects in Himachal on our terms, we are more than happy. If we get a better share from partnering with states, why will we give projects to the CPSUs,” he added.

Sukhu said, “Two years ago, when the Congress formed government in the state, we assessed our wealth in the water flowing into our five rivers and glaciers. “To make the state prosperous and self-reliant, 1,500 MW hydropower has been harnessed and we are keen that more hydroelectric projects are executed while protecting the interests of Himachal.”

He said, “We have a lot of renewable power and we will like to sell this to Telengana. We have banking arrangements with some states, which fluctuate, so we can sell that to you.”

“Telengana under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has been at the forefront to harness renewable energy sources to meet our growing demand for power,” said Vikramarka. The agreement marks a milestone in our commitment to sustainable energy and inter-state cooperation, he added.

“Cooperation between the two states fosters a model of sustainable development. It showcases how two states despite their different geographical conditions can come together for a common cause for building greener and cleaner India,” said Vikramarka.

Agreement signed with Telangana for execution of two projects

• The 400 MW Seli and 120 MW Miar hydroelectric power projects will be set up on the banks of the Chenab in Lahaul and Spiti at an estimated cost of Rs 6,200 crore

  When complete, these projects are expected to generate about 5,000 direct and indirect jobs for the youth of the state.

• As per the agreement, the Telangana Government has paid Rs 26 crore as the upfront premium and after the commissioning of both projects, Himachal Pradesh will receive 12 per cent of free power for the first 12 years, 18 per cent for the next 18 years and 30 per cent of free electricity for the remaining 10 years under the new Energy Policy of the state
• After 40 years, the Telangana Government will transfer both projects to Himachal Pradesh

  n Besides, the Telangana Government will contribute 1.5 per cent of the cost of the projects towards the Local Area Development Fund (LADF) and provide additional one per cent of free power for local area development after the projects are commissioned

• The families affected by these projects will also receive monetary benefits equivalent to 100 units of free power per month for 10 years
•  Secretary (Power) for Himachal Rakesh Kanwar and Principal Secretary (Power) for Telangana Sandeep Kumar Sultania signed the agreement