CM Sukhu Urges Centre to Increase Free Power Royalty Share

New Delhi : Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has firmly pressed the Central Government to enhance the state's share of free power royalty from Central Public Sector Undertaking (CPSU) hydropower projects. Meeting with Union Minister for Power, Housing, and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar in the national capital, the Chief Minister advocated for a larger stake, citing the immense social and environmental costs borne by the hill state.  

Sukhu requested the Centre to increase the free-power royalty share beyond the existing 12 percent in CPSU projects that have completed their initial operational period of 12 years. Additionally, he specifically demanded that Himachal Pradesh’s free power allocation be raised to 50 percent for the 180 MW Baira Siul Hydroelectric Project, emphasizing that the project has been running successfully for 44 years since its commissioning.  

The Chief Minister also raised the long-standing issue of inordinate delays in the payment of energy arrears from projects under the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB). He pointed out that local populations faced severe hardships, large-scale displacement, and ecological imbalance during the execution of these mega-ventures.

"Thousands were displaced, and the rehabilitation of Pong Dam oustees remains incomplete even decades later," Sukhu noted.  He urged the Union Minister to secure the formal consent of Punjab and Haryana to settle energy arrears amounting to 13,066 million units pending since October 2011.

According to state estimates, the outstanding dues translate into approximately ₹7,784 crore if compensated in monetary terms with a six percent compound interest.  Furthermore, Sukhu reiterated Himachal Pradesh’s legitimate right and claim over the historic Shanan Hydroelectric Project. Apart from energy issues, the CM sought financial backing for major infrastructure initiatives, including projects under the Urban Challenge Fund, AMRUT, and the Clean Hilly and Himalayan Cities Initiative.