Principal Advisor (Media) to Chief Minister Naresh Chauhan while talking to media persons here today, said that meeting held between Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar yesterday regarding power and housing issues was cordially and added that positive results will emerge from it. He said that Chief Minister was fighting to ensure the interests of the State.
He said that Himachal is ready to take over 210 MW Luhri Phase-1, the 382 MW Sunni Project and the 66 MW Dhaulasidh hydro power projects from SJVNL, which is not complying the energy policy in letter and spirit. He said Himachal’s 7.9 per cent share in BBMB was due for the last 15 years will give an impetus to the developments works in the State.
He said that if SJVNL is unwilling to comply with the state’s energy policy, the Himachal Pradesh government is ready to take over these projects. He assured that the State Government is willing to reimburse SJVNL for the expenses incurred so far on these projects.
He also pointed out that SJVNL commenced construction on these projects without signing an implementation agreement. People of Himachal Pradesh should receive its rightful share from water resources. The Union Minister directed SJVNL officials to provide a final response by January 15, 2025.
Naresh Chauhan said that Chief Minister also sought the Union government’s assistance in securing the return of the 110 MW Shanan Project of Mandi district to Himachal Pradesh from Punjab. He stated that Punjab’s lease period for the project has ended and urged the Union government to intervene to ensure the project’s transfer to Himachal Pradesh, along with all its assets.
He said that the area of Shanan Project was never part of the erstwhile Punjab, therefore, Punjab Re-organization Act of 1966 does not apply. In this issue, the Union Minister assured that he would review the Act and take appropriate action accordingly.
