HP CM Sukhu pushes for Shanan project transfer
Shimla, May 29
In a high-level meeting between Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Union Minister for Power R. K. Singh, the Chief Minister pressed for the transfer of the Shanan Project to the state before as lease agreement expires in March 2024. During the discussion, he also raised significant issues concerning water royalty, rehabilitation, and the promotion of green energy in the state.
Chief Minister Sukhu emphasized the urgency of taking necessary steps to hand over the Shanan Project to the state government, as the 99-year lease period draws to a close. He urged the Union Minister to issue the required directives to ensure a seamless transition of the project.
One of the key concerns highlighted by Chief Minister Sukhu was the state’s share in the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB). He advocated for a 12 percent water royalty for Punjab, citing the challenges faced by numerous townships and the inadequate compensation provided to displaced individuals over the past five decades. To address this issue, the Chief Minister called for the state government’s authority to impose free power royalty on all commissioned projects of BBMB, a longstanding demand from Punjab.
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During the meeting, Chief Minister Sukhu also drew attention to the need to enhance the royalty share of the state in the Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (SJVNL). Specifically, he sought an increase in the existing free power royalty share, which currently ranges from 12 to 30 percent, for SJVNL projects that have completed their 12-year debt period.
Furthermore, Chief Minister Sukhu outlined the state’s commitment to becoming a Green Energy State and encouraged the Union Minister to provide incentives and tax benefits to boost the production of green energy, particularly in the area of green hydrogen production.
Expressing his support for Punjab’s power sector concerns, Union Minister R. K. Singh assured Chief Minister Sukhu of all possible assistance from the central government.
The meeting was attended by prominent officials including Ram Subhag Singh, Chairman of HP State Electricity Board Limited, Prabodh Saxena, Chief Secretary, Bharat Khera, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, and Vivek Bhatia, Principal Private Secretary to the Chief Minister.
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