Shimla, June 22: In a major push to harness Himachal Pradesh's vast hydropower potential, the state government has signed implementation agreements for 19 hydroelectric projects involving an investment of about ₹3,336 crore and a combined generation capacity of 278 MW.
The projects include Soyal Dashal, Khauli-II, Gramang, Umli, Bharmour Stage-I and II, Harsar Stage-II and III, Tundah Stage-II, Janglik, Rupin Stage-II, Dunali-I and II, Jari, Toral Kundli, Tundan, Kot Dogri, Upper Kurmi, Kalal Khol and Melan hydroelectric projects.
At the same time, the government has cracked down on non-performing developers by cancelling the allotments of 15 hydropower projects where little progress was made.
The state is now preparing to invite international bids for these projects to ensure their speedy implementation and prevent valuable power resources from remaining untapped.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu congratulated officers and employees of the electricity department for securing the agreements and said the government was committed to unlocking the state's enormous hydropower potential while safeguarding Himachal's interests.
He said the government had amended its power policy to make investments more attractive and had introduced a uniform 12 per cent royalty rate for 40 years for hydropower projects up to 25 MW capacity.
The move is expected to provide greater policy certainty to developers while ensuring a steady revenue stream for the state.
Highlighting recent achievements, the Chief Minister said construction of the 150 MW Tidong Stage-I Hydroelectric Project has been completed.
He also pointed to the government's efforts to diversify into clean energy, noting that an MoU has been signed with Geo Tropi India Private Limited for exploration and development of geothermal power projects in the state.
Officials said Himachal Pradesh possesses an estimated hydropower potential of around 24,000 MW, making it one of India's most energy-rich mountain states.
Of this, 189 projects with a combined capacity of 12,588 MW have already been commissioned. Another 54 projects with a capacity of 1,528 MW are under construction, while 526 projects totalling 7,539 MW are at different stages of approval.
Sukhu said all agreements are being signed only after ensuring that the interests of Himachal Pradesh are fully protected and that the benefits of development flow back to the state.
