+
Himachal's debt-stricken move: Seeks 40% stake in key hydel projects
POWER & RENEWABLE ENERGY

Himachal's debt-stricken move: Seeks 40% stake in key hydel projects

Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Chief Minister, Himachal Pradesh, has requested a 40% stake in major hydropower projects within the state, which is known for its surplus electricity. This move follows a controversy sparked by a water cess imposed by the state government.

The Sukhu government initially raised the issue in February and later reiterated it during a visit by Union Power Secretary Alok Kumar on April 15. The government's demand specifically pertains to hydropower projects managed by the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) and the SJVN, but only for projects that have fully repaid their loans and recovered costs.

The BBMB is a board under the Punjab government responsible for overseeing the Bhakra Nangal and Beas projects, while the SJVN, initially established as the Nathpa Jhakri Power Corporation (NJPC), is a joint venture between the Union Ministry of Power and the Himachal government.

At present, the state receives a 12% royalty from private hydropower companies and holds a 7.19% share in BBMB's projects. Additionally, official records indicate that the state has a total equity of 26.8 percent in SJVN.

The state government is also seeking a review of power projects involving central public sector companies like SJVN, particularly those lacking specific provisions on the duration of the firms' control over the projects.

Also read:
GAIL to build Maharashtra ethane cracker at Rs 400 bn
Noida, Greater Noida to set up waste-to-energy plant


Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Chief Minister, Himachal Pradesh, has requested a 40% stake in major hydropower projects within the state, which is known for its surplus electricity. This move follows a controversy sparked by a water cess imposed by the state government. The Sukhu government initially raised the issue in February and later reiterated it during a visit by Union Power Secretary Alok Kumar on April 15. The government's demand specifically pertains to hydropower projects managed by the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) and the SJVN, but only for projects that have fully repaid their loans and recovered costs. The BBMB is a board under the Punjab government responsible for overseeing the Bhakra Nangal and Beas projects, while the SJVN, initially established as the Nathpa Jhakri Power Corporation (NJPC), is a joint venture between the Union Ministry of Power and the Himachal government. At present, the state receives a 12% royalty from private hydropower companies and holds a 7.19% share in BBMB's projects. Additionally, official records indicate that the state has a total equity of 26.8 percent in SJVN. The state government is also seeking a review of power projects involving central public sector companies like SJVN, particularly those lacking specific provisions on the duration of the firms' control over the projects. Also read: GAIL to build Maharashtra ethane cracker at Rs 400 bn Noida, Greater Noida to set up waste-to-energy plant

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

India to Invest Rs 600 Billion to Upgrade 1,000 ITIs

As part of its drive to modernise vocational training, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), in collaboration with Gujarat’s Labour and Employment Department, held a State-Level Workshop at the NAMTECH Campus within IIT-Gandhinagar to discuss the National Scheme for ITI Upgradation.The consultation brought together key stakeholders from industry and the training ecosystem to align expectations and support implementation of the scheme, which aims to transform 1,000 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across India using a hub-and-spoke model. The total outlay stands ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

India Unveils Rs 600 Billion Maritime Finance Push

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) hosted the Maritime Financing Summit 2025 in New Delhi, bringing together over 250 stakeholders including policymakers, industry leaders, global investors, and financial institutions. The summit, held under the ambit of Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision (MAKV) 2047, focused on transforming India into a leading maritime power with strengthened financial, infrastructural, and technological capabilities.Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal emphasised India's strategic progress, noting that average port turnaround times have dropped from four days to u..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Govt Allocates Rs 500 Million To Boost Community Radio

The Central Government, through its ‘Supporting Community Radio Movement in India’ scheme, has allocated Rs 500 million to strengthen the community radio ecosystem across the country. The initiative aims to assist both newly established and long-operational Community Radio Stations (CRSs), ensuring their relevance to local educational, social, cultural, and developmental needs.According to the policy published by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, CRSs may be set up by not-for-profit organisations with at least three years of demonstrated community service. These stations are ex..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?