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Himachal CM Halts Hydropower Projects Over Unpaid BBMB Dues

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu declared the state will not proceed with the Kishau and Renuka dam projects until neighboring states provide concrete assurance to settle long-pending Bhakra Beas Management Board arrears. He emphasized the state's ecological significance as the "soul of the Himalayas," warning that any disturbance would have severe national consequences. Concurrently, the government launched a major initiative by signing two pacts to promote the cultivation and conservation of medicinal plants across the state. These agreements involve distributing millions of saplings over a decade and developing value chains for key species in specific districts.

Key Points: Himachal CM Stops Dams Until Neighboring States Pay BBMB Arrears

  • Hydropower projects on hold
  • Fight for BBMB arrears
  • Warning on Himalayan fragility
  • Major medicinal plants initiative launched
2 min read

No construction of Renuka project till assurance on BBMB arrears: Himachal CM ​

Himachal Pradesh will not build Kishau and Renuka dams until neighboring states assure payment of long-pending Bhakra Beas Management Board dues, says CM Sukhvinder Sukhu.

"Any disturbance to the Himalayas would have the worst consequences not only for the state but for the entire nation. - Sukhvinder Sukhu"

Shimla, Feb 24

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu on Tuesday said the state government would not proceed with the upcoming Kishau and Renuka dams hydropower projects unless neighbouring states provide concrete assurance to the state to settle long-pending arrears of the Bhakra Beas Management Board. ​

"There have been some positive signs on this issue," he said at the launch of the report titled 'Scientific Assessment of Tackling Non-CO2 Emissions: Pathways for Himachal Pradesh'. ​

He said Himachal Pradesh is not merely a geographical entity but the soul of the Himalayas. ​

"Its glaciers, rivers, forests, and mountains define its identity and sustain millions beyond its borders. Any disturbance to the Himalayas would have the worst consequences not only for the state but for the entire nation," he said, adding, "the state is fighting for its rightful dues". ​

On this occasion, the government signed two memoranda of agreement to promote the cultivation and conservation of medicinal plants. ​

Under a pact, the company will provide 12 lakh saplings annually (one lakh per species) and a total of 1.20 crore saplings over ten years to farmers across the state, in accordance with its ecological suitability.

​In low- and mid-hill regions, species such as amla, harad, bahera, kakadshingi, and lodhra will be distributed in Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, Sirmaur, and lower Shimla districts. ​

In mid- to high-altitude areas, species including jatamansi, kutaki, sugandhbala (herbs), padam kasht (tree), and pushkarmool (herb) will be distributed in Kullu, Chamba, Mandi, upper Shimla, and Kinnaur districts. Alpine species such as atich and vish (herbs) will be made available to farmers in the higher reaches of Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti, and Chamba districts. ​

As per the second pact, the company will, for five years, promote cultivation, conservation, and value-chain development of selected medicinal plants in Solan district. ​

Six species, turmeric (Curcuma longa), ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), chirayita (Swertia chirayita), and Himalayan gentian (Gentiana kurroo) will be cultivated.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
The focus on medicinal plants is a brilliant move. It provides sustainable livelihood for farmers and conserves our biodiversity. Much better than just building more dams. Ashwagandha and tulsi cultivation can be a game-changer for Solan district.
A
Aman W
While I support getting our dues, I hope this doesn't become another stalled project. Hydropower is clean energy and we need it. The neighbouring states should come to the table quickly. This delay affects the entire northern grid's power planning.
S
Sarah B
As someone who loves trekking in Himachal, the CM's words about the state being the "soul of the Himalayas" really resonate. Any development must be balanced with conservation. The medicinal plant initiative seems like a step in the right direction.
K
Karthik V
Good strategy by CM Sukhu. Using the dam projects as leverage is smart politics. But the real test is delivery. We've heard promises about BBMB arrears for years. Action is what counts now. The 1.2 crore saplings plan is massive, hope it's implemented well.
M
Meera T
Jatamansi and kutaki for high-altitude areas is excellent news for farmers in Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur. These are high-value crops. This could reduce migration if the value-chain development is done properly. More power to our hill farmers! 🙏

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