Hydropower Projects: Cancel allotment where construction work yet to begin despite availing amnesty, says Sukhu

Presiding over a meeting of the department, Sukhu said, “Efforts would be made to increase the State’s share in those projects which have recovered its cost, for which correspondence would be initiated with the Central Government and other PSUs.”

He said that for all upcoming hydel power projects, the land would be given for 40 years on lease as per the policy of government. Apart from this, he also directed to simplify the process of providing NOCs for the construction of
hydropower projects.

Aiming at increasing the share of Himachal Pradesh in various hydropower projects, the government is contemplating framing a new Energy Policy, Sukhu said.

Under the new policy, the provision of deferment of free power royalty will be completely abolished in future.

There would be a provision to give 15 per cent share to the state government for the first 12 years, 20 per cent for the next 18 years and 30 per cent for the next 10 years, he said.

So far, there is a provision of 12 per cent for the first 12 years, 18 per cent for the next 18 years and 30 per cent
for the next 10 years, he added.

Sukhu said that 172 hydropower projects of 11,149.50 MW capacity have been commissioned in the state, while 58 projects of 2454 MW capacity were under construction.

He said that there should not be unnecessary delay in the hydropower projects being constructed through various undertakings of the state government and the energy department should develop a mechanism to monitor them.

He said that delay in the construction of projects causes financial loss to the state coffers.

The Directorate of Energy would be strengthened and artificial intelligence would also be used to improve the
functioning of the department, he added.