Centre clears Himachal’s takeover of four hydro projects

The Union Government has granted in-principle approval for Himachal Pradesh to take over four hydroelectric projects earlier allocated to SJVN Limited and NHPC Limited. This move is set to reshape the state’s control over key hydro power assets.

The projects include:

Luhri Hydro Electric Project Stage I
Located near Nirath village, this project involves building an 86-metre-high concrete gravity dam across the Satluj River. It has an installed capacity of 210 MW and an estimated cost of Rs 18.10 billion. SJVN was the earlier developer.

Sunni Dam Hydro Electric Project
Also on the Satluj River, this Run-of-River scheme is near Khaira village across Shimla and Mandi districts. The plant will have six units—five of 73 MW and one of 17 MW—adding up to 382 MW. The estimated cost is Rs 30 billion. This was also earlier with SJVN.

Dhaulasidh Hydro Electric Project
This 66 MW project is being built on the Beas River in Hamirpur and Kangra districts. It is part of the Indus river basin and carries a projected cost of Rs 6.87 billion. It was allotted to SJVN as well.

Dugar Hydro Electric Project
Located in Chamba district, this Run-of-River project includes diurnal storage and will be developed with an estimated investment of Rs 54 billion. NHPC was the original developer.

The takeover is expected to give Himachal Pradesh greater control over local energy resources and help in faster decision-making.