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Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has urged the Centre to increase the royalty of free electricity received from hydropower projects operated by central public sector enterprises, arguing that the current 12 per cent entitlement does not adequately reflect the state’s contribution and environmental costs. During a meeting with Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar in New Delhi, Sukhu also sought the settlement of long-pending energy arrears linked to Bhakra Beas Management Board projects, estimated at 13,066 million units or around INR 7,784 crore. In addition, the state requested central financial assistance for urban infrastructure initiatives, including the proposed HimChandigarh and Aero City projects in Kangra, AMRUT-related schemes, sanitation programmes and a QR-based digital property identification system across urban local bodies.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has sought a higher share of free electricity from hydropower projects operated by central public sector undertakings and requested additional financial support for urban development projects during a meeting with Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar in New Delhi.
According to an official statement issued on Wednesday, Sukhu urged the Centre to revise the existing royalty framework under which Himachal Pradesh receives 12 per cent free electricity from centrally operated hydropower projects. He argued that the royalty should be increased, particularly for projects that have been operational for more than 12 years.
As part of the proposal, the state specifically requested that the free power royalty from the 180-MW Baira Siul Hydroelectric Project be increased to 50 per cent. The project has been operational for 44 years, and the state government contends that a revised royalty structure would better reflect the long-term contribution of Himachal Pradesh to hydropower generation.
The chief minister also raised concerns regarding pending energy arrears associated with projects under the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB). He highlighted the prolonged delay in settling the dues and pointed to the social and environmental costs borne by the state during the construction of major hydropower projects. According to Sukhu, thousands of people were displaced during project development, while environmental impacts continue to affect local communities. He also noted that rehabilitation issues concerning Pong Dam oustees remain unresolved.
The state government has maintained that Haryana and Punjab should provide consent for the settlement of energy arrears amounting to 13,066 million units as of October 31, 2011. Sukhu stated that if the arrears are settled through monetary compensation, the amount would be approximately INR 7,784 crore, calculated with compound interest at 6 per cent up to the present date.
Apart from power-sector issues, the chief minister sought central assistance for several urban development initiatives. He requested financial support for the proposed HimChandigarh and Aero City projects in Kangra, which are being planned to promote urbanisation, economic activity, tourism and investment in the state.
Sukhu informed the Union minister that Himachal Pradesh has proposed projects worth INR 1,179 crore under the Urban Challenge Fund across 24 urban local bodies. Of these, projects valued at INR 660 crore have already been submitted to the Centre for approval during the first phase.
The state also sought the release of INR 12.33 crore under the Clean Hilly and Himalayan Cities Initiative to support sanitation and waste management programmes. Additionally, Sukhu requested the disbursement of the remaining INR 64.45 crore for previously sanctioned projects under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT).
Further, the chief minister urged the Centre to approve 43 new projects proposed under the AMRUT Mitra programme across 14 urban local bodies. He also sought financial support of INR 18 crore over five years for the implementation of a QR-based digital door plate system that would provide unique property identification across urban local bodies in the state.
The discussions reflected Himachal Pradesh’s continued efforts to secure greater financial returns from its hydropower resources while advancing urban infrastructure and governance initiatives through central assistance.
Source - PTI
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