Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has recently urged officials from the state’s energy department to ensure the timely completion of power projects. During an official meeting held in Hamirpur, Sukhu emphasized the need to expedite these projects, as their delays are causing financial losses for the state’s exchequer.
The state of Himachal Pradesh aims to commission 628 MW of hydroelectric projects by March 2027. This includes completing the Shongtong Karchham project, which has a capacity of 450 MW, by July 2025. The Chanju-3 Hydro Electric project, with a capacity of 48 MW, is targeted for completion by March 2027. Additionally, the Kashang-2 and 3 projects, with a combined capacity of 130 MW, are set to be finished by June 2026.
Furthermore, the state government has set its sights on harnessing solar energy. Chief Minister Sukhu announced that they have set a target to generate 1,000 MW of solar energy by 2030. To achieve this goal, the state has proposed 17 different projects that would generate 200 MW of solar power in the initial phase. The Pekhubela Solar Power Project, with a capacity of 32 MW, is scheduled to be completed by December 2023.
Sukhu directed the officials to expedite all these projects to ensure that the people of Himachal Pradesh can benefit from them. He highlighted the state government’s commitment to embracing renewable energy sources, such as hydro and solar power, to meet the rising energy demands and contribute to a greener future.
Ensuring the timely completion of power projects is crucial for Himachal Pradesh to meet its energy requirements, reduce its dependence on non-renewable sources, and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change. The state government’s push to harness hydro and solar power will not only help in achieving these objectives but also create new opportunities for employment and economic growth.
By prioritizing the completion of these power projects, Himachal Pradesh will be able to strengthen its energy infrastructure and further utilize its abundant natural resources. The successful implementation of these projects will have a positive impact on the state’s economy, environment, and overall well-being of its residents.
