Sunil Chadha
Shimla: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has said that the state government would seek legal opinion regarding the takeover of power projects that have been operating without set timelines for handing over operations to the state.
The Chief Minister made this statement while presiding over the International Conference on Dam Safety, currently being held in the state, which will continue until March 22 (2025).
Chief Minister Sukhu highlighted that Himachal Pradesh’s immense hydropower potential has made the state a focal point in the global hydropower and renewable energy sectors. However, he pointed out that in the initial years of hydropower development, no fixed timelines were set for the handover of licences issued to private power generation companies.
Project licences have duration of 35 to 40 years
Typically, these licences have a duration of 35 to 40 years, but many of the projects still do not have clear timelines for transfer, resulting in substantial losses for the state.
“As a result of this, the state government is now engaged in a legal battle to reclaim these power projects. We are seeking legal opinion in this matter and if necessary, we will take steps to ensure that all projects where the state’s interests have been ignored will be brought under state control in the near future,” said Sukhu.
Acknowledging contribution of people displaced by hydro projects
The Chief Minister also acknowledged the significant contributions of the people of Himachal Pradesh in the establishment of various hydropower projects, particularly in the national interest.
Sukhu noted that several families were displaced during the construction of major dams such as the Bhakra and Pong Dams and many are still fighting for their rightful settlements. He assured that his government would take all possible measures to address the grievances of these affected families.
“Unfortunately, it is a matter of regret that the people of Himachal Pradesh had to approach the Supreme Court to claim their rightful share in the electricity sector,” he added.
Discussing the impacts of hydropower on the state, the CM emphasised that while the abundance of water in reservoirs led to prosperity, the release of excess water during rainy seasons often brought hardship to communities living downstream.
With the state having experienced significant natural calamities in 2023, Sukhu stressed the importance of preparing in advance for such events to mitigate their impacts, especially in light of the rising incidents of cloudbursts in Himachal Pradesh.
Sukhu also emphasised the importance of high-quality construction and regular maintenance of dams to ensure their longevity and safety. To this end, the government has implemented the Dam Safety Act, which includes surveillance, inspection, operation and maintenance of dams. A Dam Safety Committee has been constituted to oversee the safety and maintenance of all dams in the state.
The event was attended by key officials, including Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, Education Minister Rohit Thakur, Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani, Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena and Chairman of the HP Power Regulatory Commission DK Sharma.
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