172 Hydropower Projects Below 5 MW Cancelled in Himachal
The Indian state of Himachal Pradesh has taken a significant step towards revamping its hydropower sector by approving the cancellation of 172 hydroelectric power projects below 5 MW capacity. This decision was taken by the state Cabinet, which also gave its nod to the cancellation of 22 hydroelectric projects above 5 MW capacity where agreements had not been signed.
According to reports, the Cabinet approved the cancellation of these projects under the HIMURJA scheme, which was introduced to promote hydropower development in the state. The scheme was designed to provide financial assistance to entrepreneurs and companies interested in setting up small-scale hydropower projects. However, despite the financial assistance, many of these projects failed to take off, with construction work stalled even after an extended period.
The cancellation of these projects is a significant development for the state, which has been grappling with issues related to power supply and transmission. The state has been facing a power deficit, which has resulted in frequent power cuts and outages. The cancellation of these projects is expected to free up resources and help the state focus on more viable and large-scale hydropower projects.
The HIMURJA scheme was introduced in 2010 to promote small-scale hydropower development in the state. Under the scheme, the state government provided financial assistance to entrepreneurs and companies interested in setting up projects with a capacity of up to 5 MW. However, despite the financial assistance, many of these projects failed to take off, leading to concerns about the viability of the scheme.
The cancellation of these projects is expected to have a significant impact on the state’s power sector. The state has been facing a power deficit, which has resulted in frequent power cuts and outages. The cancellation of these projects is expected to free up resources and help the state focus on more viable and large-scale hydropower projects.
The state government has been taking steps to address the issue of power supply and transmission. Earlier this year, the state government had announced plans to increase the generation capacity of the state’s power utilities. The state government had also announced plans to invest in new power generation projects, including solar and wind power projects.
The cancellation of these projects is also expected to have a positive impact on the state’s environment. Many of these small-scale hydropower projects were located in environmentally sensitive areas, and their cancellation is expected to reduce the risk of environmental damage.
The decision to cancel these projects is also expected to have a positive impact on the state’s economy. The state government has been facing a revenue crunch, and the cancellation of these projects is expected to free up resources and help the state focus on more viable projects.
The cancellation of these projects is also expected to have a positive impact on the state’s people. The state government has been facing criticism for its handling of the power sector, and the cancellation of these projects is expected to improve the lives of the people of the state.
In conclusion, the cancellation of 172 hydropower projects below 5 MW capacity in Himachal Pradesh is a significant development for the state. The cancellation of these projects is expected to free up resources and help the state focus on more viable and large-scale hydropower projects. The state government has been taking steps to address the issue of power supply and transmission, and the cancellation of these projects is expected to have a positive impact on the state’s power sector, environment, economy, and people.
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