6 hydel power projects apply for water cess in Himachal

10 May 2023 CW Team

Sixteen of the state's 172 hydroelectric power projects have applied for the implementation of a water cess. Last month, the Jal Shakti Department sent letters to 172 hydroelectric power projects, requiring them to register with it for the purpose of water cessation within a month.

The implementation of the cess has been challenged in the Himachal High Court by two commercial electricity firms.

It's interesting to see that several PSUs in the government and central government have registered for the cess after receiving notices. This becomes significance because on April 25, the Union Ministry for Power sent a letter to all state governments and power corporations, including the NHPC and the NTPC, asking them to challenge the legality and constitutionality of water cess.

“Besides some projects of the HP State Electricity Board, the Chamera power project being run by the National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC) in Chamba district has registered itself for the imposition of water cess,” says a senior government official.

Besides, some private hydroelectric power projects, including on the Parbati and Baspa rivers, had also complied with the directive of the Jal Shakti Department regarding registration for the cess.

The Central Government in its letter also stated that “Article 287 and 288 of the Constitution prohibits the imposition of taxes on electricity consumed by the Central Government or sold to the Central Government”.

The Chief Secretaries of all states had received a letter from MP Pradhan, Director of the Union Ministry of Power, regarding the enforcement of the water cess. “The cess is illegal and unconstitutional. Any tax or duty on power generation, which encompasses all types of generation, thermal, hydro, wind, solar, nuclear, etc, is illegal and unconstitutional,” he had said.

Infrastructure Urban

29 Oct 2025

Designing Tomorrow: Amaravati’s Net Zero Landmark

Amaravati has achieved a defining landmark in India’s sustainable infrastructure journey with the inauguration of the APCRDA Project Office, the nation’s first government building to earn the IGBC Net Zero Energy Rating – Design Stage. Conceptualised by the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA) and certified by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), the project exemplifies how governance, design and innovation can converge to deliver measurable environmental impact.A vision rooted in sustainabilitySet within a 4.3-acre site along the Seed Access Road in the Amar..

Pidilite Elevates Construction with PPS

Pidilite Industries introduced Pidilite Professional Solutions (PPS) — a dedicated vertical for the construction and interiors ecosystem — at ACETECH Bengaluru 2025. Designed to empower architects, developers, contractors, and interior specialists, PPS delivers comprehensive support that extends far beyond products to ensure project excellence from concept to completion. Kavinder Singh, Joint Managing Director, Pidilite Industries, noted, “At Pidilite, we believe in enabling the construction fraternity to build boldly and sustainably. With Pidilite Professional Solutions (PPS),..

Punjab, Centre Fast-Track Rajpura-Mohali Rail Line Development

The central government has fast-tracked the construction of the Rajpura-Mohali rail line to enhance connectivity in Punjab. This ambitious infrastructure project, aimed at improving transportation links between Rajpura and Mohali, has been identified as a key step in fostering regional economic growth. Union Minister for Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, announced the project’s acceleration during a recent assessment of the area. The rail line is expected to play a significant role in reducing travel time, promoting industrial growth, and boosting logistics efficiency in the region. The project,..