CM Sukhu met Union Power, Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal Khattar in New Delhi on Tuesday and raised several key issues concerning Himachal Pradesh.
Sukhu urged the Centre to increase the state’s free power royalty share in CPSU hydropower projects beyond 12 per cent after the completion of the initial 12-year period. He also sought 50 per cent free power from the 180 MW Baira Siul Hydroelectric Project, which has completed 44 years of operation.
The Chief Minister highlighted the delay in settlement of energy arrears from BBMB projects, citing the displacement of thousands of people and environmental impacts borne by the state. He requested the Centre to facilitate the release of 13,066 MU of pending energy arrears, stating that the dues amount to nearly ₹7,784 crore if settled in monetary terms.
Sukhu also reiterated Himachal Pradesh’s claim over the Shanan Hydroelectric Project and sought central support for the proposed HimChandigarh and Aero City projects in Kangra to boost planned urban development, tourism and investment.
On the urban infrastructure front, he informed the Union Minister that projects worth ₹1,179 crore have been proposed under the Urban Challenge Fund, with ₹660 crore already submitted in the first phase. He also sought the release of pending funds under the Clean Hilly and Himalayan Cities Initiative and AMRUT schemes, besides approval for 43 AMRUT Mitra projects.
The Chief Minister further requested ₹18 crore in central assistance over five years for the second phase of the state’s QR-based digital door plate system aimed at creating a unique identity for every urban property.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
