Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu: It’s time Punjab handed over Shanan power project to Himachal

It’s time for the Punjab Government to hand over the Shanan hydropower project to Himachal, said Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu during a visit to the 110 MW Shanan Powerhouse at Jogindernagar in Mandi district today.

The Chief Minister inspected the powerhouse and took the brief from the officials concerned about it.

Sukhu, while addressing mediapersons later, said that the lease period of the Shanan project had expired and hence the Himachal Government had the right to take over its possession.

He added that after operating the project for a century, Punjab should now hand it over to Himachal. He added that the Shanan project did not fall under the Punjab Reorganisation Act and the Punjab Government had filed an appeal in the Supreme Court regarding the matter.

The Chief Minsiter said that the foundation of the Shanan project was laid more than a century ago. “The objective of my visit is to assess the current condition of the power project. Though the Punjab Government was operating the project at present, discussions are underway for the transfer of its control to the Himachal Government.

Sukhu also inspected the third phase of the Uhl Power Project in Mandi. He said that the lack of funds would not be allowed to hinder the completion of the project. He said that Rs 100 crore was provided for the project in March this year. He added, “The work on the project is going on for the past few years and its cost has escalated. The state government has expedited the work on this project.”

Sukhu directed the Uhl project managers to complete the work within the targeted period. He said that adequate funds would be provided for the purpose. He added that the state government was providing about Rs 2,200 crore to the Electricity Board as grant and efforts were being made to make the board self-reliant.

Expect power generation at Uhl project in two or three months

• By the end of December, 2024, or January, 2025, power generation will be started in the Uhl Power Project after completing all technical investigations, the Chief Minister said
• Tata Power Limited has been entrusted with the responsibility under the Third Party Quality Control to ensure quality in the construction work of the Uhl project
• Sukhu announces additional Rs 85 crore as a ‘sovereign guarantee’ for the Uhl project