Himachal CM gives directions for notices against developers over delay in hydropower projects

ANI June 22, 2025 438 views

Himachal CM Sukhu has ordered cancellation notices for delayed hydropower projects, citing financial losses. The state is reclaiming key projects like Sunni and Luhri from SJVNL. New solar and pump storage initiatives are being fast-tracked for sustainable energy. The government is also focusing on uninterrupted power supply in remote areas like Pangi valley.

"Undue delays in project execution are causing significant losses to the state exchequer." – Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu
Shimla, June 21: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed the Energy department to issue a cancellation notice to non-serious hydro power developers, whose projects have remained stalled for many years.

Key Points

1

Sukhu cancels stalled hydropower projects

2

Reclaims 382 MW Sunni and 210 MW Luhri projects

3

Pushes for solar and pump storage projects

4

Green Panchayat scheme progress reviewed

He presided over a high-level meeting of the Power Department on Saturday. He said that undue delays in project execution are causing significant losses to the state exchequer, according to a release.

Hydropower is the mainstay of the State's economy, and the state government is committed to ensuring that the benefits reach the people of the State.

Sukhu said that the present state government is committed to safeguarding the interests of the state's people across multiple platforms and forums. In a major decision, the State Government has decided to take back 382 MW of the Sunni, 210 MW of the Luhri Stage-I, and 66 MW of the Dhaulasidh projects previously allotted to SJVNL.

He said that the state government will not advance on upcoming projects like Kishau and Renuka Dam unless the neighbouring states provide the settlement of the long-standing concrete assurances pending the Bhakra Beas Management Board arrears.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister was informed that BBMB has identified 4403 MW of power capacity on Bhakra Dam and 8700 MW capacity on Kol Dam for establishing pump storage projects. He directed the department to take the lead in this direction and move forward immediately so that the people of the State reap maximum benefits from these projects.

Sukhu instructed the HPSEBL to commission the Kaza solar power project by August 2025 and expedite the one MW solar power project with battery backup at Dhanwas in the remote Pangi valley of Chamba district. This project is expected to be completed by December 2025 and will guarantee uninterrupted power supply to the 19 gram panchayats of the valley even during heavy snowfall.

The Chief Minister also reviewed the progress of the 'Green Panchayat scheme' and directed the speeding up of the project. He also took stock of the under-construction 450 MW Shong Tong Hydro Power Project and asked the Power Corporation to complete it within the stipulated time period.

Furthermore, it was also decided that the HPSEBL will establish five Substations with a 66 KV capacity, while the HPPTCL will set up 10 Substations with capacities of 132 KV and 220 KV in accordance with the directions of the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Regulatory Commission.

Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Finally some strict action against lazy developers! These delays have cost Himachal crores in potential revenue. Hydropower is our state's lifeline and must be treated with urgency. Kudos to CM Sukhu for taking tough decisions 👏
P
Priya M.
Good move but I hope they consider environmental impact too. Himachal's beauty is its biggest asset - we can't sacrifice ecology for power projects. The Green Panchayat scheme sounds promising though!
A
Amit S.
About time! These private developers take projects, sit on them for years, then sell at premium. Meanwhile our villages suffer power cuts. The solar project in Pangi valley is much needed - that area gets cut off for months in winter.
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Neha T.
The stance on Kishau and Renuka dams is interesting. Neighboring states must cooperate - water disputes have dragged on too long. Himachal shouldn't bear the brunt of others' delays. But will this affect relations with Punjab and Haryana?
S
Sanjay V.
Hope this isn't just political drama before elections. Previous governments also made big announcements but projects got stuck in red tape. The real test is whether Shong Tong project actually meets its deadline!
K
Kavita R.
As someone from Chamba district, the solar+battery project is life-changing news! ❤️ Our schools and hospitals suffer terribly during winters. But please ensure local contractors get work - too often outsiders take all contracts.

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Himachal Pradesh Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu hydropower projects renewable energy BBMB solar power