Himachal, Telangana govts sign MoU for Lahaul-Spiti hydel projects

Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh govt on Saturday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Telangana govt for establishing 400-megawatt (MW) Seli and 120 MW Miar hydroelectric projects (HEPs) in Lahaul-Spiti district. Both projects are expected to be set up at an estimated cost of Rs 6,200 crore on the Chenab river and are expected to generate 5,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities. This marks the first-ever collaboration of its kind in the state's history in efforts to harness its hydropower potential.The MoUs were signed by Himachal Pradesh secretary (power) Rakesh Kanwar and Telangana principal secretary (power) Sandeep Kumar Sultania in the presence of chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Telangana deputy chief minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu at Shimla. As per the MoU, Telangana govt has paid Rs 26 crore as an upfront premium. After the commissioning of the projects, Himachal Pradesh will receive 12%, 18%, and 30% free power for the first 12 years, the next 18 years, and the remaining 10 years respectively under the state's new energy policy. After 40 years, Telangana govt would transfer both projects to Himachal Pradesh.Additionally, Telangana govt would contribute 1.5% of the cost of projects towards the local area development fund (LADF) and provide an additional 1% free power for LADF after commissioning. Also, affected families of these projects will receive monetary benefits equivalent to 100 units per month for a period of 10 years.Sukhu said this collaboration marked a new era of inter-state cooperation in renewable energy. He also invited Telangana govt to explore partnership in power banking or trading. He assured full cooperation to the Telangana govt to establish both the projects and looked forward to the commencement of construction at the earliest.Sukhu said while the state gad harnessed 11,500 MW renewable energy so far, much of it benefitted central public sector undertakings. Telangana deputy CM said their govt was committed to ensuring energy security for both states, keeping in view its fast-growing demand. "By partnering with Himachal Pradesh, we are taking a significant step towards securing cleaner, greener, and more reliable power for our future," he added.