Himachal Government Gears Up for Legal Battle to Reclaim Hydropower Rights

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has reaffirmed the Himachal Pradesh government’s commitment to fighting a legal battle to reclaim the state’s rightful share in hydropower projects. Addressing the Vidhan Sabha during the question hour on Tuesday, he emphasized that the government will push for enhanced free power as royalty, the return of hydel projects after 40 years, and the repossession of excess unused land from power producers.

Responding to a query by Chamba MLA Neeraj Nayyar, the CM asserted that the state government would actively pursue its rights against major power players, including the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) and the National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC). “We will demand the return of excess land, higher royalties, and ownership of projects after 40 years, as this is our state’s legitimate right,” he stated.

Sukhu also revealed that the state has already notified the Union Power Minister of its intention to reclaim the Luhri and Dhaula Sidh hydel projects if fair royalty terms are not met. “We understand this will be a prolonged legal fight, but we are prepared to see it through,” he affirmed.

Further highlighting the land issue, the CM said that NHPC has been asked to return 350 bighas of surplus land in Chamba, along with other unused plots held by power companies. “Power producers have acquired hundreds of acres of land, much of which remains unutilized. Despite these resources belonging to us, we still need to seek permissions from them. This needs to change,” Sukhu stressed.

The issue of displaced families due to hydropower projects was also raised by MLA Nayyar, who demanded that NHPC return surplus land so that it can be used for development projects. Additionally, Churah MLA Hans Raj accused NHPC of neglecting corporate social responsibility and failing to support communities affected by these projects.

With the government now ready to take the battle to court, the fight for Himachal’s hydropower rights is set to be a long but determined one.