Himachal Pradesh Cancels 172 Stalled Small Hydro Projects

31 Jul 2025 CW Team

The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has approved the cancellation of 172 small hydro projects (each below 5 MW capacity) due to prolonged construction delays. These projects, under the Himachal Pradesh Energy Development Agency (HIMURJA), will be re-advertised, a senior government official confirmed.

In a bid to streamline future allotments, the Cabinet also approved a uniform free power royalty rate of 12 per cent, with an additional 1 per cent allocated to the Local Area Development Fund, for all future hydro projects up to 5 MW capacity.

In a parallel move, the state also cancelled 22 hydroelectric projects above 5 MW that had been previously allotted by the Directorate of Energy. These projects were revoked as the developers had failed to sign implementation agreements or obtain necessary clearances and no-objection certificates (NOCs) from various departments.

“We had issued show-cause notices to the concerned firms. While some responded, our initial assessment found that many failed to secure required approvals or enter into agreements with the state government,” said an official from the Department of Energy.

The move is aimed at unlocking stalled infrastructure and re-inviting fresh participation to boost the state’s renewable energy sector.

News source: The Indian Express

Infrastructure Energy

17 Dec 2025

Vedanta Aluminium Uses 1.57 bn Units of Green Energy in FY25

Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, recently reported consumption of 1.57 billion units of renewable energy in FY25, marking a significant milestone in its 2030 decarbonisation roadmap. The company also achieved an 8.96 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity compared to FY21, reinforcing its leadership in India’s low-carbon manufacturing transition. During FY25, Vedanta Aluminium expanded its renewable energy portfolio through long-term power purchase agreements, strengthening its strategy to source nearly 1,500 MW of renewable power over the lon..

Oberoi Group to Develop Luxury Resort at Makaibari Tea Estate

EIH Limited, the flagship company of The Oberoi Group, has announced the signing of a management agreement to develop an Oberoi luxury resort at the iconic Makaibari Tea Estate in Darjeeling. The project marks a key milestone in the Group’s long-term strategy of creating distinctive hospitality experiences in rare and environmentally significant locations. Established in 1859, Makaibari is one of the world’s oldest tea estates and is globally recognised for its Himalayan landscape, primary forests and exceptional biodiversity. Spread across 1,236 acres, the estate houses one of the world�..

GHV Infra Secures Rs 1.09 Bn EPC Order in Jamshedpur

GHV Infra Projects Ltd, a fast-growing EPC company in India’s infrastructure and construction sector, has recently secured a Rs 1.09 billion work order in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand. Awarded by a reputed group entity, the contract covers end-to-end civil construction, mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems, along with high-quality finishing works for a large building development. The project will be executed over a 30-month period, with defined benchmarks for quality, safety and timely delivery. The order strengthens GHV Infra’s footprint in Jamshedpur, a key industrial hub known fo..