Sukhu’s Power Gamble: Himachal's Takeover of SJVN, NHPC Projects Generate Conflict

Kuldeep Chauhan Editor-in-chief www.Himbumail.com

Shimla, April 5 — In a move that has sent ripples through both state and central corridors of power, the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led Himachal Pradesh government has decided to take over five major hydroelectric projects from Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) SJVN and NHPC — a decision many fear could ignite a fresh confrontation between the hill state and the Centre, with long-term legal and financial consequences.

The Cabinet gave its nod to acquire the 382 MW Sunni, 210 MW Luhri Stage-I, and 66 MW Dhaulasidh projects from SJVN, and the 500 MW Dugar and 180 MW Baira Suil projects from NHPC.

To facilitate this, an independent evaluator and an administrator will be appointed to assess the actual investments already sunk into these projects.

However, this assertive move by the Sukhu government is being widely seen as a pressure tactic aimed at forcing SJVN and NHPC to renegotiate terms with the state under the new Himachal power policy.

The government has been pleading with both companies to revise their agreements to align with its updated policy framework, which is seen as an attempt to reclaim greater control over hydropower assets and maximise state revenue.

The message from the Chief Minister is ckear: either play by the state’s new rules, or risk losing these lucrative projects.

Yet, this hardline stance could backfire. SJVN and NHPC have already ramped up work on these projects, and any abrupt move by the state to take over could drag Himachal into protracted legal battles.

Observers note that these projects are protected under legally binding agreements, and any unilateral change is bound to meet stiff resistance in court.

Notably, the state government is already embroiled in a legal tussle over its controversial decision to levy a water cess on hydropower projects, a case that has been challenged in the courts by various stakeholders, including the Centre and neighbouring states.

Critics argue that the move smacks of political brinkmanship rather than prudent governance.

“This could turn into a misadventure. There is no private player or state entity that matches the technical depth of SJVN and NHPC in hydroelectric power.

Himachal risks jeopardising both revenue and reputation,” cautioned a senior bureaucrat.

SJVN, a CPSU of repute with its headquarters in Shimla, is a particularly sensitive target.

The state owns a 25% equity stake in the company, and without spending a rupee, has been drawing healthy dividends and revenue from its projects.

By antagonising SJVN, Sukhu risks not only losing a reliable partner but also igniting local backlash, as the company provides employment and economic stability in the region.

The larger question looms: is this just a high-stakes game of pressure tactics, or does Sukhu genuinely intend to wrest control of these projects?

Whatever the answer, what’s certain is that this power play could escalate into an expensive and bruising legal saga for the state.

As one political observer put it bluntly, “Sukhu’s venture, with no seasoned hand to guide him, risks becoming a costly misadventure that Himachal can scarcely afford.”

SIDEBAR

The Projects at Stake

SJVN Projects:

Sunni: 382 MW

Luhri Stage-I: 210 MW

Dhaulasidh: 66 MW

NHPC Projects:

Dugar: 500 MW

Baira Suil: 180 MW

What the State Wants:

Revision of agreements under the new Himachal Power Policy

Greater revenue share and control over power assets

Retention of rights over state water resources (pending water cess litigation)

What’s at Risk:

Protracted legal disputes with CPSUs

Delays and cost escalations in hydropower projects

Strained state-Centre relations

Potential loss of SJVN dividends and revenue flow.

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Shimla, April 10 — In a brazen violation of environmental norms, contractors working on the Dhalli-Kaithlighat section of the Shimla-Kalka-Shimla four-lane project have come under sharp criticism for indiscriminate dumping of construction debris into local water bodies and farmland in Shimla district.

Videos and photographs captured by local residents and activists expose heaps of debris being dumped into the Shaimli and Ashwini khads, vital mountain streams that sustain drinking water sources and irrigation for downstream villages.

The reckless dumping has not only choked natural water channels but also destroyed oak trees and damaged private agricultural land, triggering outrage among the local farming community.

The Himachal Kisan Sabha, Pujarali unit, led by its state president Dr. Kuldeep Singh Tanwar, submitted a detailed memorandum to Anil Joshi, Member Secretary of the Himachal Pradesh Pollution Control Board, demanding immediate and stringent action against the offenders.

The delegation presented irrefutable visual evidence of the violations, pointing to the severe environmental degradation unfolding in full view of the Pollution Control Board, Forest Department, and Revenue authorities — all of whom, locals allege, have turned a blind eye to the crisis.

"The contractors are brazenly violating environmental safeguards under the nose of regulatory authorities.

Our water sources are being buried alive under this debris, and fertile farmland is being ruined," Dr. Tanwar told reporters.

#SaveOurStreams #HoldContractorsAccountable #ProtectHimalayas #StopIllegalDumping

News

Basantpur Old Age Home Citizens Face Negligence

Crisis at Basantpur Old Age Home Due to Lack of Grant, Umang Foundation Urges Immediate Government Action

Shimla, April 9 —

The state-run old age home at Basantpur, Shimla, is facing a severe crisis due to non-receipt of the government grant.

As a result, employees have not been paid their salaries, and elderly residents are struggling to get essential medicines and treatment. Professor Ajay Srivastava, President of Umang Foundation, has written to Ashish Singhmar, Secretary of the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, demanding urgent intervention.

Professor Srivastava stated that the employees of the old age home have not been paid for the past two months because of the stalled grant.

With the budget exhausted, sick elderly residents are unable to be taken to IGMC Shimla for essential tests and treatment. One of the residents, who is experiencing blood in the urine, urgently requires medical investigation and care.

He further informed that the old age home, run by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, employs 5 regular staff members, 2 daily wagers, 3 outsourced sanitation workers, and 4 security guards.

A total of 50 elderly residents live at the facility, most of whom suffer from physical or mental health issues.

An emergency vehicle is available on contract to take residents to the hospital, but due to pending payments, even this service has become irregular.

News

IAS Meena Faces Public Outrage on Social Media

Social Media Erupts as IAS Harikesh Meena Gets Interim Relief in Vimal Negi mysterious death Case; Police Calls His Custody Crucial, Family to Move High Court for CBI Probe

Shimla. Widespread outrage has erupted on social media after interim relief was granted to IAS officer Harikesh Meena, the former Managing Director of HPPCL and a key suspect in the high-profile Vimal Negi mysterious death case, which now his wife, Kiran Negi charged that her husband was murdered.

Netizens are questioning how Meena, despite serious allegations and material evidence against him, managed to secure relief from custody.

According to the supplementary status report filed by the Shimla City DSP in the High Court, Meena’s custodial interrogation is crucial for a fair investigation.

The police cited nine key points and four primary reasons to oppose Meena’s bail, pointing to eyewitness accounts, material evidence, and glaring contradictions in his statements.

The DSP’s report highlights that Meena had granted undue extensions to the contractor involved in the case.

It has been established, at least prima facie, that Meena facilitated these benefits.

Furthermore, Meena claimed he did not know Vimal Negi personally, a statement that raised eyebrows since Negi, a Chief Engineer-level officer, had participated in meetings with Meena as recent as on February 27 and 28, 2025 and many other occasions as well.

Adding to the suspicion, police revealed that company directors were specifically sent to convince Vimal Negi to finalise the contract extension — the term "guide" was cautiously used by the investigating officer, hinting at Meena's indirect but influential role in the decision-making.

Further fuelling public anger, prime accused Desraj was recently granted bail by the Supreme Court — reportedly because no one from the police or state side contested the bail application during the hearing.

This glaring lapse has amplified public suspicion about the intentions of the state government.

"Had they placed the DSP’s status report before the Supreme Court, Desraj would not have secured relief," pointed out several observers.

Reacting to these developments, Vimal Negi’s grieving family has now approached the High Court, seeking to transfer the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

“The police SIT may be doing its job sincerely, but the actions of the state government inspire little confidence,” said family members, expressing their deep frustration.

On social media, retired Chief Engineer Surender Thakur echoed public sentiment, posting, “Is it believable that a Managing Director does not know a Chief Engineer? Either there has been a grave error in selecting such candidates for the IAS, or Mr. Meena’s intentions were questionable from the very beginning.”

As the clamour for justice grows louder, all eyes are now on the High Court’s next move and whether the investigation will be handed over to the CBI for an independent probe.

Bar and Bench

HP High Court Gives relief to IAS Officer Harikesh Meena in Vimal Negi Case; Told to Cooperate in Probe

Shimla, April 9: The Himachal Pradesh High Court on Tuesday extended interim relief to Harikesh Meena, former Managing Director of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL), in connection with the alleged abetment to suicide of Chief Engineer Vimal Negi.

The court directed that no coercive action be taken against Meena until the next hearing, now scheduled for May 2.

During the proceedings, DSP Shimla, the investigating officer in the case, informed the court that Meena has not been cooperating with the investigation, claiming his seniority as an IAS officer.

Taking serious note, Justice Virender Singh directed Meena to fully cooperate with the probe. Meena, through his counsel, assured the court that he would comply with all investigative requirements.

The court also instructed the police to ensure Meena’s appearance in person as and when required by the investigating agency.

Meanwhile, Meena continues to enjoy protection from arrest, as the court emphasized that the interim relief will remain in force provided he continues to cooperate.

The case stems from the mysterious death of Chief Engineer Vimal Negi, who was reported missing on March 10 and whose body was found in Bhakhra Dam on March 18.

Negi’s family has alleged that senior HPPCL officials, including Meena, harassed Negi, leading to his death. They have been demanding a CBI probe and the suspension of the accused officers.

Adding to the complexity, the Supreme Court had earlier granted interim bail to another accused, Desh Raj, restraining any coercive action against him until July 22, 2025.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has submitted a supplementary status report, although details remain under wraps.

With public pressure mounting and allegations of institutional harassment surfacing, the High Court's directive for full cooperation from Meena is being seen as a significant step in ensuring transparency in the ongoing investigation.

News

Missing Links in Vimal Negi's Death Mystery: Family to Move High Court to Seek CBI Probe

Shimla, April 9: With unanswered questions piling up and serious gaps surfacing in the official investigation, the family of deceased HPPCL Chief Engineer Vimal Negi has decided to approach the Himachal Pradesh High Court in the coming days, demanding that the probe be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Kiran Negi, the wife of the late engineer, said in no uncertain terms: "We have no other option left. The manner in which this case has been handled — from the very first day — leaves us with deep suspicion. Only the CBI can uncover the full truth."

The family’s demand for a CBI probe has grown louder following revelations in the bail petition filed by HPPCL Director Des Raj in the Supreme Court, where a detailed chronology of events was cited. The date is too long for next hearing in July.

The family believes that this very timeline raises more questions than answers and wants the call detail records (CDRs) of Des Raj, HPPCL Director (Personnel) Shivam Pratap Singh, and another official, Meena, to be thoroughly examined.

Timeline Under Scrutiny:

March 10: Vimal Negi goes missing from Shimla. CCTV footage places him in Ghumarwin, having hired a private taxi from Shimla. The family was not informed about his missing from the office. Des Raj had claimed in his petition that Negi and he were good friends for 20 years.
March 11: No clear information on his whereabouts. Questions persist about where he stayed and whom he met. Family alleges complete silence from the police during this period.
March 12: Still no contact. Meanwhile, family claims officials continued to evade direct answers.
March 13: As per the forensic report from AIIMS Bilaspur, this is the estimated date of death. Yet, the family asks — where was he for these three critical days?
March 18: Vimal Negi’s body is recovered from Bhakra Dam, near Swarghat. Shockingly, the family was not called to the site but was instead directed to AIIMS Bilaspur, where the body was taken by the police.

Key Questions the Family Wants Answered:

Why Was the Family Not Informed at the Time of Body Recovery?
Instead of being taken to the recovery site at Bhakra Dam, the family was asked to come to AIIMS Bilaspur. They suspect mishandling or possible tampering with evidence- mainly the documents.
Who Was the Mysterious Person from Chandigarh?
According to local accounts, Vimal Negi told a tea vendor in Ghumarwin that he was waiting for someone arriving from Chandigarh. To date, the SIT has failed to trace or even identify this person.
No Independent Witnesses at Recovery:
The family points out there were no independent witnesses at the time the body was recovered. This omission has fueled suspicions about transparency in handling crucial evidence.
Missing 72 Hours:
From the time Vimal Negi left Shimla to when his body was found, his whereabouts remain a mystery. The family demands to know where he was kept during this period and who he may have been with.
Call Detail Records of Senior HPPCL Officials:
The family has now officially demanded the examination of call details of HPPCL’s Des Raj, Director (Personnel) Shivam Pratap Singh, and MD Harikesh Meena, stating these could reveal crucial links or conversations that have so far been suppressed.

Family’s Outrage:
"Our fundamental question remains unanswered: was Vimal Negi forcibly taken, made to sign certain documents, and then murdered? The CCTV footage shows him carrying papers. Why has the SIT not pursued this lead with sincerity?" said Kiran Negi.

The family also alleges that the investigation has been "guided selectively," possibly to shield certain influential quarters. "We are being denied justice. We will move the High Court in the next couple of days. Nothing short of a CBI probe will suffice,".

As this mystery over the case continues to unfold, pressure is mounting on the state police and SIT to respond to these burning questions.

Meanwhile, all eyes are now on the family’s impending move to the High Court and the growing chorus for a central agency takeover.

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Sukhu’s Power Gamble: Himachal's Takeover of SJVN, NHPC Projects Generate Conflict

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