Sukhu Pushes for Himachal’s Power Rights, Seeks Faster Resolution of Key Hydro Issues
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday strongly pitched for Himachal Pradesh’s pending power sector demands during a meeting with Union Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs Manohar Lal in New Delhi. Stressing that hydropower remains the backbone of the state’s economy, he urged the Centre to expedite decisions on several long-standing issues linked to Himachal’s interests.
One of the key concerns raised by the Chief Minister was the grant of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) against the state’s free power entitlement. He argued that Himachal Pradesh should receive the full benefits due from its share of free power and called for clarity and an early settlement of the matter.
Sukhu also sought the appointment of two Independent Directors from Himachal Pradesh on the Board of Directors of Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN), saying the state should have stronger representation in decisions affecting its hydropower resources.
The issue of transferring the historic Shanan Hydropower Project to Himachal Pradesh also figured prominently in the discussions. While the matter remains under judicial consideration, the Chief Minister maintained that the state’s rights and interests should be safeguarded.
Highlighting the need to ensure greater benefits for communities affected by hydropower projects, Sukhu reiterated the state’s demand for an additional one percent free power as a Local Area Development Fund (LADF) from Central Sector hydropower projects commissioned before the 2008 Hydropower Policy. He said such a provision would help channel more resources into local development and improve the lives of people living in project-affected regions.
According to the state government’s estimates, the proposal could generate around ₹29.34 crore annually in gross benefits for Himachal Pradesh, with a net gain of about ₹23.21 crore while having only a marginal tariff impact on other beneficiary states.
Another important demand raised during the meeting was the transfer of the 180 MW Baira Siul Hydropower Project to Himachal Pradesh after the completion of its 40-year period. Sukhu urged the Union Government to begin the process in the state’s interest.
The Chief Minister also drew attention to parcels of land acquired by the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) in Himachal Pradesh that are currently lying unused. He requested that such land be handed over to the state government for public purposes, including the construction of government facilities and the rehabilitation of families displaced by development projects.
Emphasising that hydropower is critical not only for revenue generation but also for energy security and regional development, Sukhu said the timely resolution of these issues would significantly contribute to Himachal Pradesh’s growth.
Responding positively, Union Minister Manohar Lal assured the Chief Minister that the concerns raised by the state would be given due consideration. He also promised that the concerned departments would be instructed to examine the matters and extend all possible support for their early resolution.
Senior state officials, including Chief Secretary Kamlesh Kumar Pant, Principal Advisor Ram Subhag Singh, Principal Secretary (Finance) Devesh Kumar and Secretary to the Chief Minister Rakesh Kanwar, were also present during the meeting.
