New Delhi/Shimla, May 23 (UNI) To strengthen Himachal Pradesh’s economic autonomy and control over its natural resources, the Centre has given in-principle approval to transfer four major hydroelectric projects back to the state government.
These projects—Luhri, Sunni, and Dhaula Sidh from SJVNL, and Duggar from NHPC—were earlier handed over to Central PSUs by the previous Jai Ram Thakur-led BJP government, raising concerns about long-term revenue and resource rights.
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, during his meeting with Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar in New Delhi today, emphasised that the surrender of these projects to PSUs for an indefinite period after 40-year lease agreements had severely compromised Himachal’s share of free power and its long-term economic interests. “The previous government compromised state rights. We are correcting that course,” said Sukhu.