Himachal Pradesh and Telangana Seal Deal for Major Hydroelectric Projects
Shimla ( Himachal Pradesh [India], March 29 (ANI): The Himachal Pradesh and Telangana states have signed an important pact aimed at bolstering India's renewable energy industry.
The Himachal government has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Telangana The government has approved funding for building two significant hydropower initiatives: the 400 MW Seli project and the 120 MW Miyad venture, both located within the Lahaul-Spiti district of the state.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed in the presence of the Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu along with the Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka These initiatives will be carried out using a build-own-operate-transfer (BOT) model, guaranteeing sustained advantages for all involved regions.
The Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu stated that this marks the initial step toward achieving a self-sufficient state and utilizing Himachal's resources for the betterment of its residents.
While addressing the media, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu stressed the significance of leveraging the state's natural assets for its developmental needs.
"When we established the government two years ago, we recognized our state’s primary asset as its natural resources. Earlier administrations entered into accords for hydropower initiatives tailored to their era’s conditions. Nonetheless, our aim is to utilize these resources to produce energy directly benefiting the populace," he stated.
"The Himachal Pradesh The State Electricity Board, which was once at the forefront, has now dropped to the 47th spot, whereas central government public sector entities such as NTPC and SJVN have thrived. These organizations have constructed an empire worth Rs67,000 crores utilizing our water resources; however, the entire yearly budget of our state still stands at just Rs58,000 crores,” Sukhu stated.
We have made a policy choice not to permit the exploitation of our state’s natural wealth. Several modifications have been implemented, and this Memorandum of Understanding represents the initial move toward achieving self-sufficiency for Himachal. After four decades, these initiatives will revert to state control, along with advance payments from partnerships. Telangana Government, we secure advantages for both regions. Himachal generates income, and Telangana ensures renewable energy for its industries, particularly the IT sector," he additionally noted.
Sukhu likewise conveyed a firm warning to prospective investors, indicating that only those organizations complying with Himachal's regulations will be permitted to function.
"We will take back projects from any enterprise failing to meet our requirements. We are committed to self-reliance, and throughout the coming year, we will promote numerous initiatives under revised guidelines. I express my thanks to Telangana Deputy Chief Minister and officials were encouraged to set up their offices in Himachal to speed up the processes. Furthermore, Suku pointed out, if other states express interest in our projects, why should we keep presenting these opportunities to central government public sector units that offer just 12% royalties, which frequently end up being subsidized by consumers?
He emphasized the significance of water and hydropower as crucial elements for Himachal’s prosperity, pledging that his administration would guarantee the state and its residents gain from these assets instead of permitting their misuse.
At the event, the Deputy Chief Minister said Telangana Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka showed his excitement about the partnership and commended the Himachal government's dedication to sustainable power sources.
"On behalf of the Telangana To the government and its citizens, I extend my greetings and congratulations. Himachal Pradesh This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) goes beyond hydropower projects; it symbolizes collaborative efforts and reinforces our federal structure. Chief Minister Sukhu has consistently emphasized renewable energy, and with this agreement, we're advancing further in that commitment." Mallu said.
He highlighted the importance of hydropower. Telangana 's 2025 energy strategy.
"Hydropower stands as a dependable and crucial energy resource for upcoming generations. This accord illustrates how regions far apart can unite to attain autonomy within their energy industries. I extend my heartfelt thanks to Chief Minister Sukhu for his dedication to addressing and rectifying energy issues. This signals the start of a fresh era in Telangana "prosperous future ahead," he stated.
The agreement between Himachal Pradesh and Telangana indicates an increasing tendency towards collaboration at the state level in the pursuit of sustainable and dependable energy sources. This establishes a model for how states can capitalize on one another’s advantages—Himachal Pradesh's plentiful hydroelectric potential and Telangana Growing industrial requirements must be harnessed to build a sustainable energy future.
Once implemented, this collaboration is anticipated to increase investment opportunities, generate employment, and underscore the importance of renewable energy in advancing India’s development. Should it prove successful, this approach may set a precedent for comparable accords among various regions, thereby promoting a more autonomous and robust energy framework within the country. (ANI)