State Government Secures Approval for Shongtong-Karchham Hydro Power Project Phase-2.
Shimla, July 31, 2024: Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced today that the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change has granted approval for the use of approximately 85 bighas of land under the Forest Conservation Act Phase-2 for the Shongtong-Karchham Hydro Power Project in Kinnaur district.
“This approval, essential for the construction of a bridge for the project, had been pending with the central government since 2018. The state government's persistent efforts have finally paid off,” said CM Sukhu.
He highlighted that the approval under the Forest Conservation Act had been under consideration for a long time, but the current state government made strong efforts to secure it. The first phase approval was given on March 19, 2024.
Following this, the state government submitted the necessary compliance report and requested final approval from the central government.
“The Shongtong-Karchham Hydro Power Project will boost the state's power production capacity and significantly contribute to its economy.
The 450 MW project, awarded in 2012, is expected to be completed by November 2026.
A transmission line is being laid to facilitate power generation, and the tender process for the transmission has already started to avoid any financial loss to the state,” CM Sukhu explained.
