CM Orders Action Against Delayed Hydropower Projects, Pushes for Green Energy and Pump Storage Initiatives.
Shimla:
In a decisive move to revamp the power sector in Himachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed the Energy Department to serve cancellation notices to hydro power developers who have failed to make progress on their allotted projects for several years. Chairing a high-level meeting of the Power Department on Saturday, the Chief Minister expressed serious concern over the prolonged delays, stating that they are causing significant financial losses to the state exchequer.
Highlighting that hydropower is the backbone of the state’s economy, CM Sukhu emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that the benefits of energy development reach the people. “The present state government is determined to safeguard the interests of Himachalis at all levels. We cannot allow precious resources and potential to remain idle due to the negligence of non-serious developers,” he said.
Major Projects Taken Back from SJVNL
In a major policy shift, the Chief Minister announced that the state government has decided to withdraw the 382 MW Sunni, 210 MW Luhri Stage-I, and 66 MW Dhaulasidh hydropower projects from SJVN Limited (SJVNL) due to prolonged inaction. He further stated that Himachal Pradesh will not proceed with major upcoming projects such as Kishau and Renuka Dams unless neighbouring states fulfil long-pending financial obligations related to the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB).
Push for Pump Storage and Renewable Energy
The meeting also focused on the state’s plans to harness its hydro potential through pump storage projects. The BBMB has identified the possibility of developing 4,403 MW capacity on the Bhakra Dam and another 8,700 MW on the Kol Dam. The Chief Minister instructed the department to take the lead in advancing these projects to ensure that the state maximizes its hydro potential.
Solar Projects in Remote Areas
To strengthen renewable energy access in remote regions, CM Sukhu directed the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited (HPSEBL) to expedite the commissioning of the Kaza solar power project, setting a target of August 2025. He also reviewed the progress of a 1 MW solar project with battery backup in Dhanwas, Pangi valley (Chamba district), which is expected to be completed by December 2025. Once operational, this project will ensure uninterrupted power supply to 19 gram panchayats, even during harsh winters and heavy snowfall.
Green Panchayat Scheme and Infrastructure Development
The Chief Minister took stock of the “Green Panchayat Scheme” and instructed officials to accelerate its implementation across the state. He also reviewed the status of the 450 MW Shongtong Karcham Hydro Power Project, urging the Power Corporation to ensure timely completion.
In line with the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Regulatory Commission’s guidelines, the state plans to bolster its transmission infrastructure. HPSEBL will establish five new substations with 66 KV capacity, while HP Power Transmission Corporation Limited (HPPTCL) will construct 10 substations with capacities of 132 KV and 220 KV.
Key Officials Present
The meeting was attended by Principal Advisor to the Chief Minister Ram Subhag Singh, Infrastructure Advisor Anil Kapil, OSD to the Chief Minister Gopal Sharma, Chairman HPSEBL Sanjay Gupta, Director Energy Rakesh Prajapati, Managing Director of HP Power Corporation Abid Husain Sadiq, and Managing Director of HPPTCL Rajiv Sood, among other senior officials.
With these initiatives, the state government has signaled a strong intent to streamline the energy sector, eliminate inefficiencies, and prioritize green energy development for a sustainable future.
