Himachal's Green Push: CM Sukhu Orders Hydropower Projects Expedited

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed officials to speed up hydropower project execution. He specifically reviewed the 450 MW Shong Tong Power Project with a December 2026 completion target. The CM emphasized the importance of pump storage projects for managing peak electricity demand. He also set an ambitious goal to establish Himachal as India's Green Energy State by next year.

Key Points: HP CM Sukhu Directs Expedite Hydropower Projects Execution

  • CM directs 450 MW Shong Tong Power Project completion by December 2026 deadline
  • Reviews progress of multiple hydro projects including 130 MW Kashang phases
  • Emphasizes pump storage projects for peak hour electricity supply
  • Sets target to make Himachal India's Green Energy State by next year
2 min read

Expedite execution of hydropower projects, says HP CM Sukhu

Himachal CM Sukhu reviews HPPCL, directs acceleration of hydropower projects including 450 MW Shong Tong with December 2026 deadline and green energy initiatives.

"Harnessing green energy remains a key priority for the government - CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu"

Shimla, Nov 6

While reviewing the functioning of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Ltd (HPPCL) on Thursday, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu directed to expedite the execution of hydroelectric power projects.

He reviewed the 450 MW Shong Tong Power Project and directed the authorities to ensure its completion by December 2026.

CM Sukhu said more than 60 per cent of the project had already been completed and emphasised the need to accelerate the remaining work.

He also directed that the transmission line be established in parallel to ensure the timely evacuation of the power from this project.

CM Sukhu also discussed the progress of 130 MW Kashang-II and III, 48 MW Chanju-III, 40 MW Renuka Dam and 191 MW Thana Plaun projects and instructed that the timelines for the completion be strictly adhered to.

He stressed on setting up pump storage projects and asked the HPPCL to initiate work on the proposed 1,630 MW Renukaji pump storage project and 270 MW Thana Plaun pump storage project at the earliest.

He said the pump storage projects are useful in supplying electricity during peak hour demand and reducing load on the grid.

The Chief Minister said harnessing green energy remains a key priority for the government, and the HPPCL should expedite the work of ongoing solar power projects. He also instructed the HPPCL to identify new land parcels for setting up new solar power projects.

The Chief Minister also reviewed One MW green hydrogen plant coming up at Nalagarh and directed authorities to complete the project by June 2026.

He directed the HPPCL to adopt professionalism in their functioning, and said that the present government has set the target of making Himachal Pradesh a 'Green Energy' of the country by the next year.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good initiative but I hope they're also considering the environmental impact and local communities. Hydropower projects often displace villages and affect river ecosystems. Sustainable development should be the priority.
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Arjun K
Pump storage projects are brilliant for managing peak demand! This will help stabilize our power grid and reduce dependency on thermal power. More states should follow Himachal's example. 👍
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Sarah B
As someone who frequently visits Himachal, I'm concerned about the construction impact on the beautiful landscapes. Hope they maintain ecological balance while pursuing these projects.
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Vikram M
Great to see focus on renewable energy! But I hope the timelines are realistic. Government projects in India often get delayed due to bureaucratic hurdles. Hope this time it's different.
K
Kavya N
The green hydrogen plant at Nalagarh is particularly exciting! India needs to invest in cutting-edge clean technologies. This could create jobs and boost the local economy too. 🙌

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