CM asks power dept file affidavit to take over 66 MW Dhaulasidh Project

SHIMLA, Sep 30: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday directed the power department to file an affidavit in court to take over the 66 MW Dhaulasidh Hydro Power Project being constructed on the Beas river by the Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd (SJVNL).

Presiding over the power department meeting here, he said the state government is ready to pay the first installment towards the project cost to facilitate taking back the Dhaulasidh Power Project in the state's interest, a statement issued here said.

The chief minister said the present state government will not compromise the interests of the state's people and remains steadfast in protecting the state's wealth and resources. He added that the state government is also making earnest efforts to take over the Luhri and Sunni hydro projects from SJVNL.

Sukhu reviewed the various under-construction hydro power projects and directed expediting their construction in a time-bound manner to reap maximum benefits for the state's people.

During the meeting, officers apprised the chief minister that the 450 MW Shong Tong Power Project will become fully functional by September next year following the commissioning of three turbines. It was also apprised that a power purchase agreement will be signed with Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Ltd (HPSEBL) for the electricity generated from this project.

Sukhu reviewed the 66 KV transmission line being constructed from Pooh to Samdo and Samdo to Kaza and directed accelerating the work. (PTI)