State Government to Seek Legal Opinion on Taking Over Hydel Power Projects Operating Without Set Timelines: CM Sukhu.
Shimla:
In a significant move aimed at protecting the state’s hydropower interests, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced that the state government will seek legal opinion on taking over hydel power projects that have been operating without fixed timelines. Addressing the ongoing International Conference on Dam Safety in Shimla, the Chief Minister highlighted the lack of clear timelines for power generation licenses, which have caused substantial losses for the state.
The conference, which commenced today, will continue until March 22, 2025, and is focused on addressing dam safety concerns, particularly with the increasing hydropower potential in Himachal Pradesh, which is becoming a focal point for global hydel energy development. The CM noted that while the river waters are a primary source of power generation in the state, early projects were approved without setting specific timelines for their handover to the state government. As a result, many of these power projects remain under the control of private entities or corporations, depriving the state of rightful benefits.
“We are currently engaged in legal battles to reclaim these projects, and if necessary, the state will take over all projects where the interests of Himachal Pradesh have been disregarded,” CM Sukhu stated, underlining the government’s commitment to protecting the state’s resources.
The Chief Minister also took the opportunity to acknowledge the sacrifices of Himachal Pradesh’s residents, particularly those displaced during the construction of prominent dams like the Bhakra and Pong Dams. Many of these families continue to fight for proper compensation and settlement rights, an issue Sukhu assured the government would address promptly.
In addition to these pressing concerns, Sukhu discussed the safety implications of hydropower projects, especially with regard to the risks posed by flooding during the monsoon season. He emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of the state’s dams, pointing out the increased incidents of cloudbursts in recent years. “The people living downstream of these projects must be given timely warnings before excess water is released, to prevent any further hardship caused by natural disasters,” the Chief Minister said.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the importance of quality construction and ongoing maintenance for the safety of dams, particularly as climate change and other factors pose new challenges for dam safety in the Himalayan region. To address these challenges, the state government has enacted the Dam Safety Act, and a Dam Safety Committee has been constituted to oversee the inspection, surveillance, and operation of all dams in the state.
Minister of Revenue, Jagat Singh Negi, Minister of Education, Rohit Thakur, Minister of Technical Education, Rajesh Dharmani, Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena, Chairman of HP Power Regulatory Commission D.K Sharma, and senior officials were present at the event.
The conference will serve as an important platform for experts to exchange knowledge on improving the safety and operational efficiency of dams, while also addressing the socio-environmental concerns related to hydropower generation in the region.
