Seeks to declare Khab, a national hydroelectric project
Shimla:The Himachal cabinet has sought to get the Khab hydroelectric project on Satluj River in upper Kinnaur, close to the Indo-Tibet border, declared as project of national importance, even as it decided to add 2000 MW capacity of thermal power, put liquor units in the negative list, approved a three member subordinate selection board and gave its nod for the development of a state data centre.
Presided over by chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal, the cabinet decided to add 1500 MW of power by securing coal blocks and 500 MW as share from Ultra Mega Power projects.
It was decided to develop Gyspa and Khab projects in the state sector and try and get the Khab Project declared as a project of national importance, a cabinet spokesman said.
HIMURJA, a government organization was granted permission to invite open bids, from private players to execute 54 identified small hydro electric projects with a total generation capacity of about 134 MW in different areas of the state.
The cabinet approved allotment of Suil project (13MW) to M/s MBD Limited, Saach Pass project (149 MW) to M/s L&T Power Development Limited.
With regard to Reoli Dugli (420 MW), Dugar (236 MW), Kilhi Bahl (7.5 MW), Mane Nadang (70 MW); Lara (60 MW), Tingret (81 MW) and Kuling Lara (40 MW), where the highest bids have not been matched by other bidders, the second highest bidder for these projects have been asked to confirm their price bid quoted in their original bid.
The cabinet decided to re-advertise the Khoksar (90 MW) HEP because of a very low price bid.
A provision of providing 1 % free power other than the free power being given to the state was made in all new hydropower projects that would go towards local area development fund. Guidelines for management of local area development fund were approved.
The century old Nahan Foundry was merged with HP state industrial development corporation and VAT on brick kilns was approved at par with Punjab by making an amendment to the existing Act.
The single member HP Subordinate Services Selection Board at Hamirpur was expanded to a three member body.
The cabinet decided to include liquor industry in the negative list of enterprises, which are not entitled for any exemptions or tax concessions.
A Delhi firm NKG Infrastructure Limited was awarded a Rs 43 crore road construction project that would connect Kangra valley with Chamba.
Rules for headmaster being promoted as principals in schools were relaxed by the cabinet.
Development plan for setting up the State Data Centre at Mehli on Shoghi-Junga road was aproved.
As Editor, Ravinder Makhaik leads the team of media professionals at Hill Post.
In a career spanning over two decades through all formats of journalism in Electronic, Print and Online Media, he brings with him enough experience to steer this platform. He lives in Shimla.
