Himachal keen to set up atomic power plant : CM

Shimla, Jan 2 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh today said the state government was keen to set up an Atomic power plant and 500 mw Thermal Power plant at pithead.

Noting that the state offered the lowest power tariff in the country, Mr Singh here reiterated his government's commitment to providing subsidised power to the consumers of agriculture and horticulture sectors, health and educational institutions besides the BPL families.

During the next financial year, the state government proposed to enhance the subsidy from the existing Rs 100 crore, he said.

Mr Singh said his government was keen to exploit the hydro-power potential with the joint venture partners and Independent Power Producers. He predicted an investment of Rs 80,000 crore in the hydro-power sector, adding that the government had created a separate Himachal Power Corporation recently.

He also stressed that while harnessing the hydro-power sector, it was important to maintain the traditional farming rights of the people, involve the developers in the process of local area development, ensure attractive relief and rehabilitation package, provide employment opportunities and restore the fragile ecology.

The Chier Minister added that 1.5 per cent of the project cost would be earmarked for local area development and 70 per cent employment would be offered to Himachalis and the Labour department would monitor this aspect.

Projects like Baspa-210 mw in Sangla valley, Gharopa in Kullu valley and 8 mini hydel projects in Tirthan valley in Kullu have been abandoned due to environmental concerns about wildlife and fisheries, he added.

Mr Singh said for the appropriate use of excavated muck, boulders and stones, the PWD and IPH departments as well as private crusher owners and other private users would be allowed to utilise such material free-of-cost.

The state government would be charging an upfront premium of Rs 10 lakh per MW for projects above 100 mw from the developers. In addition, the state would also realise royalty ranging from 12 per cent to 30 per cent.

UNI