New Delhi, May 23: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu met Union Minister of Power Manohar Lal Khattar in New Delhi today, where he raised several key issues related to the state’s interests, with a particular focus on hydropower.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister emphasized the need for greater state participation in hydropower projects and urged the appointment of a permanent member from Himachal Pradesh on the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB). He pointed out that although Himachal has made significant contributions to the country’s hydropower sector, it has yet to receive its fair share of benefits.
Sukhu also requested a higher share of free power from public sector undertakings (PSUs) and Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) operating hydroelectric projects in the state—especially from those projects whose capital costs have already been recovered.
Reiterating a long-standing demand, he called for the transfer of the Baira-Siul hydropower project to Himachal Pradesh. Built in 1980-81, the project, he argued, should now rightfully be under state control. He further urged the Union Minister to expedite the release of pending dues to the state from BBMB.
The Chief Minister expressed his appreciation for the Union Minister’s in-principle approval to transfer several projects—including the Luhri, Sunni, and Dhaulasidh projects of SJVN Limited, as well as the Duggar project of NHPC—to the Himachal government. He noted that cost assessments for these projects are currently underway.
Additionally, CM Sukhu sought central assistance for the development of the Jathia Devi Township and held discussions on various ongoing urban development initiatives under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
In response, Union Minister Khattar assured the Chief Minister of the central government’s full support in addressing Himachal’s concerns.
The meeting was also attended by Principal Advisor to the Chief Minister Ram Subhag Singh, Principal Secretary (Finance) Devesh Kumar, Secretary to the Chief Minister Rakesh Kanwar, and Resident Commissioner Meera Mohanty.
