Himachal CM Sukhu orders takeover of Sunni, Luhri, and Dhaulasidh hydro projects from SJVNL
Shimla, July 2
In a significant move to reclaim control over the state's natural assets, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed authorities to initiate the takeover of three major hydroelectric projects from the Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited.
While chairing a high-level meeting of the Power department here on Thursday evening, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu directed the officers to initiate the process for taking over the 382 MW Sunni, 210 MW Luhri Stage-I and 66 MW Dhaulasidh hydroelectric projects, which were previously allotted to SJVNL.
The Chief Minister said that hydropower was the backbone of Himachal Pradesh's economy and the State Government was committed to ensuring that the benefits from the State's rich hydropower resources accrue to its people.
"The present state government was firmly committed to safeguarding the interests of the people of Himachal Pradesh across all platforms and forums. The government was taking appropriate steps to secure the State's rightful share from its natural resources and ensure their optimum utilisation for public welfare," he added.
CM Suhku directed the officers to renegotiate the terms and conditions of the 500 MW Duggar hydroelectric project being developed by NHPC, as the company has proposed increasing the height of the dam. He said that the state government would ensure that Himachal Pradesh receives appropriate benefits commensurate with the revised project parameters.
The Chief Minister also highlighted that the state government had resolved the eight-year-long deadlock over the 422 MW Kishau dam project. He said that under the revised arrangement, Himachal Pradesh would not be required to make any capital investment while securing 211 MW of free power from this project, which was expected to generate nearly Rs 600 crore in annual revenue for the state.
Principal Advisor to Chief Minister Ram Subhag Singh, Principal Secretary, Finance Devesh Kumar, Secretary Power Rakesh Kanwar, Director, Energy Rakesh Prajapati, Managing Director HPPCL Abid Hussain and other senior officers attended the meeting.
— ANI
Reader Comments
I appreciate the intent to bring back control, but I hope the government has the technical expertise to run these projects. SJVNL has decades of experience. Taking over without proper planning could lead to delays and inefficiency. Let's be realistic.
The Kishau dam deal sounds promising: 211 MW free power and nearly Rs 600 crore annual revenue without capital investment. But how long will it take to actually generate that power? Infrastructure projects in Himachal always face delays due to terrain and legal hurdles. Hope the CM's team can execute properly.
From an outsider's perspective, it's refreshing to see a state government pushing for more autonomy over its natural resources. The renegotiation on the Duggar project dam height makes sense—if the parameters change, the compensation should too. Seems like a win-win if handled right.
Ek baat to clear hai—yeh decision local logon ke liye beneficial hoga agar genuinely implement ho. Par mujhe concern hai ki takeover ke baad power purchase agreements ka kya hoga? Agar SJVNL already committed power to other states, Himachal might face contractual issues. Let's hope the CM's advisors have thought this through.
I love how the CM is emphasizing that hydropower is the backbone of Himachal's economy. We have so many rivers and mountains—it's about time we used them to fund education, healthcare, and roads for our people. But I just hope the transition doesn't lead to job losses for SJVNL employees who are from Himachal.
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