Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu met Union Power, Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal Khattar in New Delhi on Tuesday evening to discuss several issues related to the state.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister requested the Centre to increase the free power royalty share beyond the existing 12 per cent in Central Public Sector Undertaking (CPSU) hydropower projects that have completed their initial 12-year period.
He also sought an increase in the state's free power share from the 180 MW Baira Siul Hydroelectric Project. Sukhu said the project has been operational for 44 years and Himachal should receive 50 per cent free power from it.
The Chief Minister raised the issue of pending energy arrears related to Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) projects. He highlighted the hardships faced by people during the construction of these projects, including displacement and environmental damage. He also said many Pong Dam oustees are still awaiting proper rehabilitation.
Sukhu urged Punjab and Haryana to give their consent for the release of 13,066 million units (MU) of pending energy arrears due to Himachal as of October 31, 2011, along with 6 per cent annual interest. He said if the arrears are paid in cash instead of energy, the amount would be around Rs 7,784 crore, calculated with compound interest at 6 per cent.
The Chief Minister also discussed the history of the Shanan Hydroelectric Project and reiterated Himachal Pradesh's claim over the project. Sukhu sought financial assistance from the Centre for the development of HimChandigarh and Aero City in Kangra. He said the projects would promote planned urban growth, tourism, investment and economic development in the region.
He informed the Union Minister that Himachal Pradesh has proposed projects worth Rs 1,179 crore under the Urban Challenge Fund across 24 urban local bodies. In the first phase, projects worth Rs 660 crore have already been submitted to the Centre for approval.
The Chief Minister also requested the release of Rs 12.33 crore under the Clean Hilly and Himalayan Cities Initiative to strengthen sanitation and waste management systems. He further sought the release of the remaining Rs 64.45 crore for projects already sanctioned under the AMRUT scheme. He also urged the Centre to approve 43 projects proposed under AMRUT Mitra in 14 urban local bodies.
Sukhu said the state is introducing a QR-based digital door plate system in urban local bodies to create a unique identity for properties. He requested financial support of Rs 18 crore over five years for the second phase of the project.
Chief Secretary KK Pant, Principal Advisor to the Chief Minister Ram Subhag Singh and Director of Energy Rakesh Prajapati were also present during the meeting.
Also read: HRTC staff threaten agitation over pending dues
Follow us
