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Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu emphasised the need to assert Himachal Pradesh's rightful claims in the court of law to maximise benefits to the people of the state. He was presiding over a meeting of senior officers of the Energy Department here on Saturday.
He said that the 110 MW Shanan hydel project in Jogindernagar in Mandi district must be handed over to Himachal Pradesh, as the lease period of this project in favour of Punjab has expired, a release said on Saturday. CM Sukhu said that the state government would urge the Supreme Court to direct the Punjab government to handover the project back to Himachal Pradesh before October 31 this year. He said that the matter would also be taken up with the Centre and the Punjab government to ensure prompt transfer of the project. The State Government would also expedite the matter of securing Himachal Pradesh's legitimate rights in the BBMB, as adjudicated by the Supreme Court earlier, stated the Chief Minister. The state government will leave no stone unturned to achieve this goal, he affirmed, adding that a notice of non-compliance of the implementation agreement will be served to JSW Company regarding the 1045 MW Karcham Wangtoo Hydro Power Project as well. To safeguard the interests of the state in the hydel sector, it has been decided to ensure 12 percent, 18 percent, and 30 percent royalty slabs in the power projects, and after 40 years, the project will be handed over back to the state, reiterated the Chief Minister. He said that this step would also go a long way in strengthening the economy of the state. Hydropower and tourism were the key sectors for the economy of the state, and the present state government was giving top priority to both these sectors. The state government has envisioned making Himachal Pradesh a self-reliant state by the year 2027 and positioning it among the most prosperous states in the country by 2032, stated the Chief Minister. (ANI)
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