New Delhi, June 17: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhu met with Union Ministers Manohar Lal Khattar on Tuesday. During their discussion, he urged the central government to increase the share of free electricity royalty for completed projects in central public sector undertakings. Currently, these projects receive a standard 12 percent royalty for the first twelve years.
Chief Minister Sukhu specifically requested that the share of free electricity from the 180 MW Baira Siul Hydroelectric Project be raised to 50 percent, as it has been operational for 44 years. He also highlighted delays in payments owed to the state for energy from the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) projects.
He noted that the construction of these projects caused significant hardships for local residents, with thousands facing displacement. The state has also dealt with adverse environmental impacts, and the rehabilitation of those displaced by the Pong Dam remains incomplete.
Sukhu urged both Haryana and Punjab to agree to pay Himachal Pradesh for the outstanding energy dues of 13,066 million units, along with 6 percent interest, dating back to October 31, 2011. If paid in cash, the estimated amount, including compound interest, would total approximately ₹7,784 crores.
The Chief Minister also provided background on the Shanan Hydroelectric Project, asserting the state’s legitimate rights over it. He requested financial assistance from the central minister for the proposed ‘Aero City’ and ‘Him Chandigarh’ developments in Kangra, aimed at promoting planned urbanization, economic growth, tourism, and investment in the state.
Sukhu informed Khattar that the state government is proposing projects worth ₹1,179 crores under the ‘Urban Challenge Fund’ for 24 urban local bodies, with ₹660 crores already submitted to the central government for the first phase.
He also requested the release of ₹12.33 crores for timely implementation of sanitation and waste management initiatives under the ‘Clean Hilly and Himalayan Cities Initiative.’ Additionally, he sought the remaining ₹64.45 crores for previously approved projects under the Amrut scheme and urged the approval of 43 projects across 14 urban local bodies submitted under the Amrut Mitra scheme.
To enhance property identification in urban local bodies, Sukhu mentioned the ongoing implementation of a QR-based digital doorplate system. He requested ₹18 crores in financial assistance for the successful execution of the second phase of this project over the next five years.
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