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

19 May 2023 CW Team

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

Infrastructure Urban

06 Apr 2026

InsideFPV Delivers ₹10 Crore Kamikaze Drone Order Under MoD’s EPR Route

InsideFPV, a Surat-based drone technology manufacturer, has successfully executed a ₹10 crore defence contract to supply indigenous kamikaze drones under the Ministry of Defence’s Emergency Procurement Route (EPR). The company completed the delivery of hundreds of FPV kamikaze drone platforms within a rapid two-month timeframe, highlighting its ability to meet urgent military procurement timelines.The supply orders were fulfilled under the emergency procurement mechanism, which is aimed at fast-tracking acquisitions for immediate operational needs. InsideFPV’s quick execution reflects it..

Vedanta Resources Secures Fitch Upgrade to ‘BB-’, Best Rating Since 2015

Vedanta Resources Limited (VRL), a global player in metals, oil & gas, critical minerals, power and technology, has received a credit rating upgrade from Fitch Ratings, marking its strongest bond rating in over a decade.Fitch has raised Vedanta Resources’ Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to ‘BB-’ from ‘B+’, while maintaining a Stable Outlook. The agency also upgraded VRL’s senior unsecured rating, along with the ratings of US dollar-denominated bonds issued by Vedanta Resources Finance II Plc and guaranteed by VRL, to ‘BB-’.The upgrade represents Vedan..

NAREDCO NextGen NCR Chapter Launched

The NAREDCO NextGen NCR Chapter was recently launched at Excelerate 2026 in Mumbai, marking a key step towards integrating emerging real estate leaders from the National Capital Region with the national platform. The initiative aims to promote sustainable and responsible urban development through collaboration and knowledge exchange.The event brought together young developers, entrepreneurs, and professionals from across NCR, including Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Bhiwadi, and Meerut. Discussions focused on urban development, finance, sustainability, innovation, and policy, emphasisi..