Shimla; 08 November- Principal Advisor (Media) to Chief Minister Naresh Chauhan while talking to media persons here today, said that meeting held between Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar yesterday regarding power and housing issues was cordially and added that positive results will emerge from it. He said that Chief Minister was fighting to ensure the interests of the State.

He said that Himachal is ready to take over 210 MW Luhri Phase-1, the 382 MW Sunni Project and the 66 MW Dhaulasidh hydro power projects from SJVNL, which is not complying the energy policy in letter and spirit. He said Himachal’s 7.9 per cent share in BBMB was due for the last 15 years will give an impetus to the developments works in the State.

He said that if SJVNL is unwilling to comply with the state’s energy policy, the Himachal Pradesh government is ready to take over these projects. He assured that the State Government is willing to reimburse SJVNL for the expenses incurred so far on these projects. He also pointed out that SJVNL commenced construction on these projects without signing an implementation agreement. People of Himachal Pradesh should receive its rightful share from water resources. The Union Minister directed SJVNL officials to provide a final response by January 15, 2025.

Naresh Chauhan said that Chief Minister also sought the Union government’s assistance in securing the return of the 110 MW Shanan Project of Mandi district to Himachal Pradesh from Punjab. He stated that Punjab’s lease period for the project has ended and urged the Union government to intervene to ensure the project’s transfer to Himachal Pradesh, along with all its assets. He said that the area of Shanan Project was never part of the erstwhile Punjab, therefore, Punjab Re-organization Act of 1966 does not apply. In this issue, the Union Minister assured that he would review the Act and take appropriate action accordingly.

Lashing out on the previous Jai Ram Government for selling the interests of the State by not safeguarding the interests of the people of the State in the MoU signed during their regime for power projects, by disregarding State’s Power Policy, Naresh Chauhan said that regarding private power projects, the policy of Himachal Government was clear that every project would get 12 per cent royalty for the first 12 years, 18 per cent for the next 18 years and 30 per cent royalty for next 10 years, but the previous government gave all three projects to SJVNL at very low royalty of 4 and 12 per cent respectively.

Principal Media Advisor said that Chief Minister has also apprised the Union Minister that if SJVNL is ready to accept the terms and conditions of new energy policy, the agreement will be taken forward, otherwise the Govenrment will take over these projects. He said that Himachal has suffered a huge loss due to the wrong policies of the previous BJP Government.

He said that as far as the rights of Himachal are concerned, the Chief Minister is serious about it and no compromise will be made in the interests of Himachal. He urged the opposition leaders that mistakes committed during their regime, should be rectified and they should stand with the Government and not unnecessarily create hurdles in the development works of the State.

Naresh Chauhan said that today BJP has become leaderless and directionless due to which it is not able to decide its priorities. People of the State know that there is a war going on for supremacy within the BJP. He advised BJP leaders that they should extend their cooperation to the State Government for safeguarding the interests of the State.

Referrring to a news item regarding refreshment served during a function of the Police Department, Naresh Chauhan that it was their internal matter. The misinformation is being spread about this matter and attempts are being made to give a political color, which is unfortunate.