CM asks SJVNL to give 30 per cent equity in all hydel projects

Shimla, May 7 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh today sought 30 per cent equity in all hydel projects being executed by the Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (SJVNL) in or outside the state before 700 MW Luri hydel project given to it.

''The government has now decided to impose a condition of 30 per cent equity in all hydel projects being executed by the SJVNL in the state and outside the state,'' he said here after releasing the party's manifesto for the Shimla Municipal Corporation (SMC) elections.

Mr Singh said since the SJVNL was a joint venture between the state and the Centre with 25 and 75 per cent equity, it was important that Himachal had equity in all the hydel projects in the state and other neighbouring states being executed by it.

Referring to the Luri hydel project, he said it would only be given to the SJVNL after reviewing its preformance in 412 MW Rampur hydel project.

He said the government had earlier decided to hand over all hydel projects in the Satluj Basin to the SJVNL after successfully executing the 1,500 MW Nathpa Jhakri hydel project.

He said it was a false perception that the government was not giving the Luri hydel project to the SJVNL since it had failed in appointing Director (Personal) from Himachal Pradesh.

UNI