HP to stop work on Kishau, Renuka Dam projects pending dues: CM

Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh govt will not move forward with the proposed Kishau and Renuka Dam hydropower projects until neighbouring states provide concrete assurances to clear long-pending arrears of the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said on Tuesday.The CM, however, said there were encouraging signs in ongoing discussions and asserted that the state was firmly pursuing its rightful dues.
Sukhu was speaking at an event where he released a report titled ‘Scientific Assessment of Tackling Non-CO2 Emissions: Pathways for Himachal Pradesh'.During the event, two memorandums of agreement were also signed – one with Dabur India Limited and other with M/s Karan Singh Vaidh, Solan. These are aimed at promoting the cultivation and conservation of medicinal plants.Highlighting the growing impact of climate change, Sukhu said the state witnessed unprecedented cloudbursts, flash floods, landslides and shrinking glaciers. Referring to the 2023 disaster, he noted that over 23,000 houses were destroyed, calling such events clear warning signals demanding urgent remedial action.He described Himachal as the "soul of the Himalayas", stressing that any ecological disturbance would have serious consequences not just for the state but for the entire nation.Under the agreement, Dabur India Limited will supply 12 lakh saplings annually —totalling 1.2 crore over 10 years — tailored to different agro-climatic zones. Species ranging from amla and harad in lower hills to jatamansi and kutki in higher regions will be distributed.The second agreement focuses on Solan district, covering six medicinal species and benefiting at least 225 women farmers across 108 bighas in its initial phase.Sukhu underlined that the state govt was committed to making Himachal Pradesh the first ‘Green Energy State' in the country and had initiated various steps in this direction.MSID:: 128752918 413 |