Shimla, 7 September 2024: Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has made it clear that Himachal Pradesh is gearing up for a legal battle to reclaim the 110 MW Shanan Hydel Project in Jogindernagar.
Chairing a meeting with senior Energy Department officials today, CM Sukhu emphasized that the lease of the project to Punjab has expired, and the state deserves full control of the project.
“We'll be approaching the Supreme Court to direct Punjab to hand over the project to us before the 31st of October," said Sukhu.
The CM also mentioned plans to involve the Central Government and Punjab to speed up the transfer.
Sukhu further highlighted the importance of securing the state's stake in the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), in line with a previous Supreme Court ruling.
In a stern move, he stated that a non-compliance notice would be issued to JSW Company regarding the 1045 MW Karcham Wangtoo Hydro Project for not implementing the terms of their agreement.
The CM reaffirmed that Himachal would enforce royalty rates of 12%, 18%, and 30% on hydel projects, with the state taking full control after 40 years. "This will bolster our economy," he added.
With hydro power and tourism being key sectors, Sukhu reiterated his government’s vision to make Himachal a self-reliant state by 2027 and one of the most prosperous by 2032.
Senior officials, including Chief Parliamentary Secretary Sanjay Awasthy and Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena, were present at the meeting.
