CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Reviews Progress of Shongtong-Karcham Hydropower Project in Kinnaur

Shimla, June 9:
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today visited the Shongtong-Karcham Hydropower Project in Kinnaur district to review ongoing work. During his visit, he inspected the power house site at Karcham and the barrage site at Powari, where he took stock of various construction activities underway.

The Chief Minister interacted with engineers and workers at the project site, discussing the progress and challenges involved in the construction. He issued clear instructions to ensure timely completion of the 450 MW project by November 2026.

Highlighting its significance, CM Sukhu said the operationalization of this project would generate approximately ₹1,000 crore in annual revenue for the state. Despite delays over the past 13 years, the present government has significantly accelerated the pace of work in the last two years and is committed to delivering the project on schedule.

Calling water Himachal Pradesh’s “flowing gold,” Sukhu criticized previous governments for allowing the state’s natural resources to be exploited without proper returns. He asserted that the current administration is taking decisive steps to ensure the optimal and responsible use of hydropower to strengthen the state’s economy.

He also revealed that the state is working towards bringing major projects like Dhaulasidh, Luhri, and Sunni under its control. A financial audit is underway to assess the investment made so far in these projects, and any further work will proceed strictly on terms that safeguard the interests of the state.

In a forward-looking initiative, Sukhu mentioned that the government is exploring the establishment of a geothermal power project at Tapri in Kinnaur. Himachal Pradesh is also actively promoting solar energy and green hydrogen to reduce dependency on power purchases during the winter months. Between October and March, the state currently buys electricity at ₹5 to ₹6 per unit despite being a surplus power producer.

To reduce such reliance, the state is scaling up solar power generation. Through HP Power Corporation Ltd (HPPCL), solar projects with a combined capacity of around 626 MW are in various stages of development. The state government has set ambitious goals—to make Himachal a Green Energy State by 2026, a self-reliant state by 2027, and the most prosperous and empowered state in India by 2032.

Earlier, the Chief Minister received a warm welcome at Choling Helipad with traditional music and cultural performances. He was greeted by local MLA and Minister for Revenue, Horticulture, and Tribal Development, Jagat Singh Negi, along with senior district officials and dignitaries.

On this occasion, HPPCL General Manager Abid Hussain Sadiq briefed the Chief Minister on the detailed progress of construction works at the Shongtong-Karcham Hydropower Project.