Shimla: CM Sukhu Discusses Legal Measures to Reclaim Power Projects, Highlights Himachal’s Renewable Energy Potential
Shimla, March 21, 2025 – Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, during his address at the ongoing International Dam Safety Conference in Shimla, stressed the critical role the state plays in renewable energy production, particularly hydroelectric power, and the challenges the state faces in harnessing its water resources for economic growth. The conference, which will run until March 22, has brought together key stakeholders to discuss dam safety and the future of hydroelectric power in the region.
Sukhu highlighted that the state’s vast potential for hydroelectric power generation remains untapped, primarily due to issues with the allocation and management of water resources. He stated that while water is one of Himachal’s primary natural resources, it has not been utilized optimally in the past, leaving the state behind in its quest for economic growth. He specifically pointed out the practice of allocating hydroelectric projects to developers without clear time limits, a practice that has left Himachal Pradesh at a disadvantage.
Reclaiming Control Over Hydro Projects
The Chief Minister further explained that while the global standard for hydroelectric project licenses is 35 to 40 years, many projects in Himachal Pradesh were granted in perpetuity without any set time limits. Sukhu expressed concerns over this arrangement, as it has left the state with little leverage over these projects once they are handed out. He said that legal opinions are currently being sought to reclaim all such power projects from developers, ensuring that the state’s interests are protected in the long run.
Sukhu emphasized that the current state government is committed to taking every possible step to protect the rights and resources of the people of Himachal Pradesh. “Our government will ensure that the next generation does not face the same struggles we have had to endure in reclaiming our own resources,” Sukhu stated. If necessary, the government will undertake the construction of projects directly to ensure the state’s interests are fully considered.
Addressing Displacement and Rights of the People
A significant portion of Sukhu’s speech also focused on the displacement caused by hydroelectric projects in the state. He reflected on the immense contribution that Himachal Pradesh has made to the nation’s hydroelectric infrastructure, particularly through projects like Bhakra Dam and Pong Dam, but noted that the displacement of local communities has often gone unaddressed. He pointed out that those displaced by these large-scale projects have yet to receive the proper compensation and rights they are owed.
Sukhu pledged that his government would work to ensure that the displaced families receive their rightful benefits. “We will make every effort to get their rights back,” he assured, acknowledging the suffering caused to those who lost their homes and livelihoods due to these projects.
Challenges of Dam Safety and Climate Change
The Chief Minister also addressed the pressing issue of dam safety, particularly in the context of the 2023 natural disaster in Himachal Pradesh, which caused significant damage to the region. He stressed the importance of maintaining the structural integrity of the state’s dams and ensuring their safety, especially as climate change poses new challenges. Sukhu emphasized that the state must be prepared for potential natural disasters, such as cloudbursts, which have become more frequent in the region due to the construction of large dams.
He called on the Dam Safety Authority to implement proactive measures, such as issuing alerts to downstream residents before releasing excess water from the reservoirs. This, he argued, would help mitigate the risks associated with floods and protect communities living near these dams.
A Vision for the Future
Sukhu also called for an integrated approach to dam safety that includes the latest safety provisions and quality construction standards. “We must ensure that the construction, maintenance, and operational safety of our dams are of the highest quality, and that they are resilient against the challenges posed by climate change,” he stated.
As part of these efforts, the state has established a Dam Safety Committee to monitor and maintain the safety standards of all dams across Himachal Pradesh. This committee will ensure that proper measures are in place to prevent accidents and minimize the impact of potential natural disasters.
The Chief Minister concluded his speech by reiterating his government’s commitment to ensuring that the people of Himachal Pradesh are not only beneficiaries of hydroelectric power but also actively participate in the state’s renewable energy future. He urged engineers and stakeholders at the conference to work together to adopt a multi-dimensional approach to managing the state’s water resources and ensure the safety and longevity of its dam infrastructure.
In Attendance
The event was attended by several key figures, including Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, Education Minister Rohit Thakur, Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani, Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena, and Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission D.K. Sharma, as well as officials from the Dam Safety Society. The gathering marked an important step in the state’s ongoing efforts to improve dam safety and ensure the responsible management of its hydroelectric resources.
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