CM Sukhu announces govt to file review petition on major hydropower projects

Shimla, September 20: Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has announced that if the companies executing major hydropower projects fail to comply with the conditions of the state, the Himachal Pradesh government will file a review petition in the High Court to take them over. The Chief Minister made this statement at a function organized by the Himachal Pradesh High Court Bar Association in Shimla on Thursday.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Sukhu emphasized that the state government will not compromise on the legitimate rights of Himachal Pradesh. He highlighted the importance of protecting key resources and investments, especially in the energy sector, which has faced challenges in recent years. The CM informed that if the implementing companies refrain from fulfilling the government’s conditions, the state will take over the 210 MW Luhri Hydroelectric Project Phase-I, 66 MW Dhola-Sidh Power Project and 382 MW Sunni Power Project.

“Investment in the state has come down and we will take all possible steps to protect the interests of Himachal. We are determined to prevent any further losses by retrieving these power projects for the state, if necessary,” CM Sukhu said.

The CM also reiterated the government’s overarching goal of creating a self-reliant Himachal Pradesh through its ‘Vyavastha Parivartan’ initiative. He informed that important legislative reforms have already been introduced in various sectors, including education, healthcare and revenue, whose positive results have been visible in the first two budgets of the government. He said these reforms are aimed at improving the quality of life of all sections of the society.

During his speech, CM Sukhu also acknowledged the important role of the judiciary in a functioning democracy and hoped for continued cooperation between the judiciary and the state government in achieving the development goals of the state.