SHIMLA- Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister, Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has sought the support of Union Energy Minister, R.K. Singh, who was on a daylong visit to Kinnaur district recently, for water cess and royalty on power projects mainly run by SJVN, BBMB in the state.
During the meeting, Chief Minister Sukhu highlighted that several projects under the Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (SJVNL) and Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) have become debt-free. These projects include Nathpa-Jhakadi, Rampur, Bhakra Dam, Beas Satluj Link, and Pong Dam.
However, he pointed out that the state is currently receiving only 12 percent of free electricity from the Nathpa Jhakri and Rampur projects, while SJVNL benefits from these debt-free projects.
He urged for an increase in the rates of free electricity and requested the fixing of a contract period limit, similar to other projects.
Chief Minister Sukhu also raised concerns about SJVNL commencing construction work on Luhri Phase-I, Dhaulasiddh, and Sunni Dam projects without signing the implementation contract.
Despite repeated requests from the State Government, the company has not signed the contract and has shown reluctance in adhering to the provisions mentioned in the energy policy.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister informed the Union Energy Minister that the State Government is not receiving the royalty of free electricity from the Bhakra Dam Project, Beas Satluj Link, and Pong Dam Project operated by BBMB.
He stressed that the state government deserves this revenue, as the energy policies of both the central and state governments include provisions for providing free electricity as royalty.
Currently, the State Government is only receiving 7.19 percent power at fixed rates from these BBMB projects, which is inadequate.
Given that Himachal Pradesh has full ownership of the land and water resources utilized in these projects, the Chief Minister emphasized the need to provide free power in the form of royalty, similar to other projects.
Union Energy Minister R.K. Singh assured the Chief Minister that he would carefully consider the issues raised and take appropriate action in response.
