HP government to take control of two Chamba hydel projects, says CM Sukhu

The Himachal Pradesh government has decided to take back two hydroelectric projects in Chamba. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu made this announcement during the state assembly’s budget session. He said that the Baira Siul power project, run by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), would be handed over to the state. The decision is part of the government’s effort to reclaim control over projects that have completed 40 years.

The Chief Minister explained that, globally, hydroelectric projects return to the state after 40 years. However, in Himachal Pradesh, previous governments gave such projects to NHPC permanently in exchange for only a 12% royalty. Sukhu said this was unfair and that his government is determined to change the situation.

The fight for State’s resources

Congress MLA Neeraj Nayar from Chamba raised the issue in the assembly. He pointed out that many local people were displaced due to these projects and demanded that they should get priority in employment. He also highlighted that around 350 bighas of surplus land from the Baira Siul and Chamera-I hydroelectric plants should be identified and reclaimed by the government.

In response, CM Sukhu assured that the government is fighting for the state’s rights. He said that a formal request has already been sent to NHPC to hand over the Baira Siul project. If NHPC does not agree to the new royalty structure of 12%, 18%, and 30% at different stages, the state will take back all the projects given to it.

The CM also said that large amounts of extra land were acquired for these power plants, and now, this land is lying unused. He stated that his government is working to reclaim thousands of bighas of surplus land from NHPC and the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB).

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Government plans for future

Sukhu emphasized that the process of taking back power projects will take time, but the government is committed to it. He also said that displaced people should be given preference for jobs in the power sector. Additionally, the state will review its agreements with NHPC to ensure that better terms are enforced.

In another development, Sukhu informed the assembly that 161 bighas of land have been identified for the expansion of Nahan Medical College. Congress MLA Ajay Solanki had raised concerns about delays in construction work, which had been stalled since 2022. The CM blamed the previous BJP government for selecting a site that had no room for expansion. He also said that ₹100 crore had already been spent on the college building.

The Himachal Pradesh government’s decision to reclaim power projects is seen as an important step in securing the state’s resources and ensuring that local people benefit from these projects. However, the process is expected to take time and may face resistance from NHPC and other central agencies.