Himachal signs agreements for 19 hydropower projects worth Rs 3,336 crore
The Himachal Pradesh government has signed implementation agreements for 19 hydropower projects with a combined capacity of 278 MW during the current year. The projects represent an estimated investment of approximately Rs 3,336 crore and form part of the state’s efforts to accelerate hydropower development.
The projects include the 9 MW Soyal Dashal, 6 MW Khauli-II, 9 MW Gramang, 10 MW Umli, 24 MW Bharmour Stage-I, 21 MW Bharmour Stage-II, 22.5 MW Harsar Stage-II, 19 MW Harsar Stage-III, 24 MW Tundah Stage-II, 18 MW Janglik, 15 MW Rupin Stage-II, 17 MW Dunali-I and II, 12 MW Jari, 18 MW Toral Kundli, 15 MW Tundan, 10 MW Kot Dogri, 8 MW Upper Kurmi, 11 MW Kalal Khol and 9.6 MW Melan hydroelectric projects.
Project implementation
The state government has also cancelled the allotments of 15 power projects after finding limited progress in their implementation. The government is now planning to invite international bids for these projects to expedite their development.
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said the state government is committed to harnessing Himachal Pradesh’s hydropower potential and has taken several policy measures to support investment in the sector.
According to the Chief Minister, the government has amended its power policy and revised the royalty rates for hydropower projects with capacities up to 25 MW. A uniform royalty rate of 12% has been fixed for a period of 40 years.
He also stated that construction of the 150 MW Tidong Stage-I Hydroelectric Project has been completed.
Hydropower pipeline
The Chief Minister said the state government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Geo Tropi India Private Limited for the exploration and development of geothermal power projects.
Himachal Pradesh has an estimated hydropower potential of around 24,000 MW. Of this, 189 projects with a combined capacity of 12,588 MW have been commissioned. Another 54 projects with a total capacity of 1,528 MW are under construction, while 526 projects with an aggregate capacity of 7,539 MW are at various stages of approval.
The Chief Minister said the government is giving priority to harnessing the state’s power potential to strengthen the economy. He added that MoUs for power projects are being signed only after ensuring that the interests of the state are adequately protected.
