Will reclaim hydel plants if hiked royalty not paid: CM Sukhu
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday said his government would pursue a legal battle to secure the state’s interests, including enhanced free power, the return of hydel projects after 40 years and unused surplus land held by power producers.
Responding to a query by Chamba MLA Neeraj Nayyar during the Vidhan Sabha’s question hour, Sukhu asserted that the state would vigorously defend its rights in all hydroelectric projects, whether under the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC) or other entities.
“We will demand the return of excess land, increased royalty, and the handover of projects after four decades — our rightful claims,” the CM said.
Sukhu revealed that the state had already notified the Union Power Minister of its intent to reclaim the Luhri and Dhaula Sidh hydel projects if enhanced royalties were denied and the projects were not returned after 40 years.
“We know this will be a prolonged legal battle, but we are prepared to fight in the court for Himachal’s interests,” he said.
The CM said the state had also written to the NHPC to return 350 bighas of excess land in its possession in Chamba. “Almost all power companies — BBMB, NHPC and others — have acquired hundreds of acres beyond requirement, much of which lies unused. We will reclaim this land for development projects," Sukhu stated.
He lamented that despite land and water being Himachal’s key resources, the state must seek permissions from these companies for basic things.
Nayyar raised concerns over the denial of jobs to people displaced due to upcoming NHPC hydel projects in Chamba, as well as “hoarding of surplus land” by power firms. He demanded its return for public use.
Churah MLA Hans Raj accused the NHPC of “high-handedness”, alleging neglect of displaced families and inadequate corporate social responsibility (CSR) spending in affected areas.
