They discussed important issues related to the state's power projects and water resources.
The Chief Minister informed the Union Minister that the lease for the Shanan Project will expire in March 2024, and he requested the necessary steps to be taken by the Punjab Government to hand over the project to the state before that date.
The Chief Minister also talked about the state's share in the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) and asked for a fair 12 percent water royalty for the state.
He highlighted the challenges faced by towns affected by BBMB projects and the long-pending compensation for those displaced by these projects.
The Chief Minister proposed that the state should be allowed to collect free power royalty from all BBMB projects, which has been a demand for a long time.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister raised the issue of increasing the royalty share of the state in SJVNL (Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited). He suggested that the share of free power royalty from SJVNL projects, which have completed their debt period of 12 years, should be raised from the current range of 12 to 30 percent.
The Chief Minister also shared the state's efforts to promote green energy and requested incentives, such as tax benefits, to encourage the production of green hydrogen in the state.
The Union Minister assured the Chief Minister of his support and cooperation. The meeting was attended by other officials, including the Chairman of HP State Electricity Board Limited, Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, and Principal Private Secretary to the Chief Minister.
