Himachal Tightens Grip on River Resources Near Hydropower Projects
The Himachal Pradesh government is preparing to introduce a new framework to regulate the extraction of sand, gravel and other riverbed materials in areas linked to hydroelectric projects, making it clear that natural resources remain under the state’s control and cannot be freely utilized by project developers.
The move comes amid concerns that some hydropower project authorities have been independently issuing tenders for the removal of sand and gravel from riverbeds within project zones. The government now plans to ensure that such activities can only take place with its prior approval and oversight.
According to officials, simply acquiring or being allotted land for a power project does not grant a company ownership or mining rights over riverbed minerals. The state maintains that rivers and their mineral deposits are public assets, and any extraction must be carried out according to established regulations.
To strengthen oversight, the government is considering a system where it will directly manage the tendering process for sand, gravel and other minor minerals found in project areas. Authorities believe this will help safeguard the state’s mineral wealth, improve transparency and ensure that extraction activities are conducted within the legal framework.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has also reiterated this position in the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly while addressing concerns related to dredging and mining activities in river channels. The government has emphasized that natural resources cannot be treated as a byproduct of project land acquisition and remain subject to state regulation.
The issue carries particular importance in a state where hydropower development is a major economic activity. Himachal Pradesh hosts numerous operational, under-construction and proposed hydroelectric projects across the Sutlej and Chenab river basins, creating a constant demand for construction materials and riverbed management.
Notable projects in the Sutlej basin include Nathpa Jhakri, Rampur, Kol Dam, Karcham-Wangtoo, Kashang, Shongtong-Karcham, Luhri Stage-I and Sunni Dam. Meanwhile, several major projects are also located in the Chenab basin, making effective regulation of mineral extraction increasingly critical as infrastructure development expands.
Private companies have played a significant role in boosting the state’s hydropower capacity over the years. However, the government now wants to draw a clear line between the rights granted for building and operating power projects and its authority over minerals and river resources.
Once implemented, the proposed policy is expected to bring greater government supervision to the extraction of sand and gravel in hydropower project areas. The objective is to prevent unauthorized mining, protect environmentally sensitive river ecosystems and ensure that any revenue generated from riverbed materials is collected and managed through official government channels.
Officials are currently working on the finer details of the new framework, including approval procedures, tendering norms, monitoring mechanisms and penalties for violations. The final policy is expected to provide clearer guidelines for both project developers and regulatory authorities, while reinforcing the state’s control over its valuable natural resources.