Punjab Newsline | Shimla
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday inaugurated the Academic Block and a Computer-Based Examination Laboratory at Himachal Pradesh University.
Addressing reporters after the event, the Chief Minister described the agreement on the Kishau Dam Project as a historic achievement for the state.
Sukhu announced that under the agreement, Himachal Pradesh will receive 211 MW of free electricity from the Kishau Dam Project. He added that the state is also expected to earn around ₹600 crore annually after five years, significantly strengthening its financial position.
The Chief Minister revealed that the state government had initially refused to grant consent for the project unless Himachal’s interests were adequately protected. The Kishau Dam, being developed on the Yamuna and Tons rivers, is expected to supply water to northern Indian states, including Rajasthan, Delhi, and Haryana.
Sukhu emphasized that the state made it clear that it would not approve the project without a provision for free power. He said the final agreement ensuring 211 MW of free electricity marks a major victory for Himachal Pradesh.
He further noted that if the project had been awarded to a private company, the state would have received only 12 percent free power royalty and 1 percent Local Area Development Authority (LADA) benefits, making the current agreement far more beneficial for Himachal Pradesh.
