Shimla, Oct 15,
To streamline water governance in Himachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed officials to draft a comprehensive water law by consolidating all existing water-related legislations. Chairing a high-power committee meeting in Shimla today, CM Sukhu announced the formation of an expert committee to oversee the creation of a “umbrella act,” aimed at improving water resource management and safeguarding public interest, informed a official spokesperson.
The Chief Minister reaffirmed his government’s commitment to the people of the state, particularly by improving the financial health of the government. He highlighted the release of a 4% Dearness Allowance (DA) installment for government employees and pensioners, which follows an earlier 7% DA increase. CM Sukhu attributed these financial measures to his administration’s successful fiscal reforms, which he claimed have stabilized the state’s finances. In contrast, he criticized the previous BJP government for neglecting the state’s financial interests, which, according to him, led to an investment drain.
“Proper utilization of the state’s resources remains a priority, and ongoing court cases related to state matters will be pursued with full force,” said the Chief Minister. He also expressed concern over the growing impact of global warming and climate change, underlining the need for more studies on the increasing frequency of cloudbursts, which have become a pressing issue for the state.
Also read: https://himachalscape.com/supreme-court-stays-himachal-pradesh-high-courts-refund-order-on-water-cess-for-hdropower-companies/
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena, Advocate General Anup Rattan, Additional Chief Secretary Onkar Chand Sharma, Principal Secretary Devesh Kumar, and other key officials, including Amitabh Awasthi, Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh State Water Cess Commission.
Pertinent to mention that in 2023 the State government had implemented Himachal Pradesh Water Cess on Hydropower Electricity Generation Rules 2023. The move was intended to add more than Rs 2000 crores additional revenue in the State exchequer. However later was challenged in the High court which declared the water cess ‘unconstitutional’. Also read: https://himachalscape.com/blow-to-himachal-govt-high-court-declares-water-cess-uncontitutional/ Thereafter the State government moved Supreme court where the matter is still pending, the directive by the Himachal Pradesh High Court that required the State government to refund water cess levied on hydropower generation companies in the state, has been stayed.
Empower Independent Journalism – Join Us Today!
Dear Reader,
We’re committed to unbiased, in-depth journalism that uncovers truth and gives voice to the unheard. To sustain our mission, we need your help. Your contribution, no matter the size, fuels our research, reporting, and impact.
Stand with us in preserving independent journalism’s integrity and transparency. Support free press, diverse perspectives, and informed democracy.
Click [here] to join and be part of this vital endeavour.
Thank you for valuing independent journalism.
Warmly,
Vishal Sarin, Editor
