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Key Points

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu recently met Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil to discuss critical hydropower projects in the Yamuna basin. During the meeting, Sukhu emphasized the need for fair funding and compensation for the Kishau and Renuka Dam projects. He argued that the financial burden should be shared by the Centre or major beneficiary states like Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. The projects aim to create significant irrigation potential, provide drinking water, and generate electricity while addressing environmental and social concerns.

Key Points: Sukhu Fights for Himachal Rights in Yamuna Hydropower Projects

  • Sukhu seeks Centre's support for equitable project funding
  • Advocates protection of Himachal Pradesh's interests in hydropower
  • Requests fair compensation for affected regions
  • Calls for comprehensive project development strategy
3 min read

Himachal CM bats for protection of state's rights in Kishau, Renuka hydropower projects

Himachal CM meets Union Minister, advocates fair funding and compensation for Kishau and Renuka Dam hydroelectric projects

"While hydro projects are essential for national development, environmental and social impacts must be addressed - Sukhvinder Sukhu"

New Delhi, May 22

Emphasising the need for a favourable funding pattern from the Centre, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu on Thursday met Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil and advocated the protection of the state's rights in the multi-purpose Kishau and Renuka Dam hydropower projects.

Besides the Kishau project, then Union Minister for Water Resources Nitin Gadkari on August 28, 2018, had signed a memorandum of understanding with the Chief Ministers of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Delhi and Himachal Pradesh in New Delhi for the construction of two other major projects being envisaged in the Upper Yamuna reaches.

They are the Rs 3966.51 crore Lakhwar Multi-Purpose project and the Renukaji Multi-Purpose project.

At the meeting with Union Minister Patil, Chief Minister Sukhu said the financial burden of the Kishau project should be borne entirely either by the Centre or by the major beneficiary states -- Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan.

The Chief Minister also raised critical issues concerning the Renuka Dam project. He called for due consideration of the Local Area Development Fund and the free power component. He said that while hydro projects are essential for national development, the environmental and social impacts must also be addressed, and the affected states should be fairly compensated.

Besides, the Chief Minister requested the early release of the pending amount under the Jal Jeevan Mission for the state.

Union Minister Patil assured the Chief Minister of all possible assistance and cooperation from the Central government.

The Kishau project, which includes the construction of a 236-m high concrete dam across the Tons, a tributary of the Yamuna in Dehradun district, will create an irrigation potential of about 97,000 hectares, make available 517 MCM drinking water, and generate 660 MW of power.

The Renukaji project, which has been conceived as a storage project on the Giri, also a tributary of the Yamuna in Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh, envisages the construction of a 148-m high rock-filled dam for the supply of 23 cumec water to Delhi and will generate 40 MW of power during peak flow.

As per the pact of 1994, separate agreements will have to be made between the six basin states for each water storage project in the upper reaches of the Yamuna. After completion of all these storage projects in Upper Yamuna Basin (including Lakhwar), the total benefits in terms of additional irrigation potential created will be 130,856 hectares, water availability for various uses will be 1,093.83 MCM, and power generation capacity will be 1,060 MW.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

Here are 6 diverse Indian perspective comments for the article:
R
Rajesh K.
Finally someone speaking up for Himachal's rights! These projects benefit Delhi and other states more, yet Himachal bears the environmental costs. Fair compensation is must. CM Sukhu is right to demand better funding pattern. Jai Himachal! 🙏
P
Priya M.
While development is important, we must not ignore the ecological impact. Himachal is already facing climate change effects - more dams mean more disruption. Hope the Centre listens to local concerns before pushing these projects.
A
Amit S.
As someone from Delhi, I appreciate Himachal's water contribution but CM's demands seem excessive. These are national projects benefiting all. Why should only beneficiary states pay? Central funding makes more sense for infrastructure of national importance.
S
Sunita R.
Good to see focus on Local Area Development Fund. Mountain states always get raw deal in such projects. The displaced families deserve proper rehabilitation and share in benefits. Hope Centre doesn't treat Himachal as just water supplier to plains.
V
Vikram J.
The 1994 pact needs revision. After 30 years, realities have changed. Himachal should get greater share in power generation profits. These projects will boost our energy security - worth investing but with fair terms for all states involved.
N
Neha T.
While I support development, the article doesn't mention impact on local communities. Many villages will be submerged - what about their future? Before talking about MW and hectares, we need proper rehabilitation plans. Development shouldn't come at cost of people's livelihoods.

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