The North News
Shimla, January 3
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday said the state government would firmly enforce its right to collect land revenue from hydroelectric projects, stressing that compliance with rules was mandatory for all developers. Sukhu said he held a meeting with developers of various hydropower projects in Himachal Pradesh, during which he made it clear that land revenue belonged to the state and must be paid as per existing regulations.
“It is our duty to ensure that the people of the state receive the full benefit of their natural resources,” the Chief Minister said, adding that the government would safeguard Himachal’s interests while pursuing development.
The meeting also discussed Himachal Pradesh’s demand for permanent membership in projects of the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) and the release of arrears amounting to around ₹6,500 crore, pending from 1966 to 2011. Sukhu said the state government was committed to making Himachal Pradesh self-reliant and prosperous through the prudent use of its resources. He added that the government would also work towards providing practical and meaningful solutions to issues raised by project developers.
