Himachal CM Requests Centre to Raise Free-Power Royalty Share in Hydropower Projects
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu met Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar to request increasing the free-power royalty share beyond 12 percent in Central Public Sector Undertaking hydropower projects after their initial 12-year period. He specifically sought a 50 percent free-power share for the 180 MW Baira Siul project, which has operated for 44 years. Sukhu also highlighted delays in energy arrears payments from Bhakra Beas Management Board projects, displacement and environmental impacts on locals, and sought financial support for urban development projects in Kangra.