Himachal now sets Nov 2026 deadline for completion of Shongtong hydel project
The Himachal Pradesh government has set a target to complete the 450 MW Shongtong Hydroelectric Power Project by November 2026. Chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced the new deadline while presiding over a review meeting with officials from the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited (HPSEBL) and the energy department in the hill capital.
During the meeting, Sukhu directed officials to ensure timely execution of the project and prepare a power evacuation plan to avoid monetary losses once the project becomes operational. Once completed, the Shongtong hydel project in Kinnaur is expected to generate 1,579 million units of electricity annually, translating into a financial benefit of approximately ₹1,706 crore for the state.
Sukhu emphasised the need for a robust strategy to reduce power losses and curb electricity theft across the state. He instructed the HPSEBL to implement feeder metering and to carry out feeder-wise mapping of all consumer categories—including commercial, industrial and domestic—so that data can be accessed efficiently.
The chief minister has also directed that all HPSEBL employees currently serving on deputation in the directorate of energy, Himachal Pradesh Power Transmission Corporation and Power Corporation be given an option to return by April 30. The civil wing staff can also choose postings in the PWD or other departments.
Sukhu assured that the existing service terms, promotions and benefits would remain unaffected, with policy amendments being made where necessary.
To strengthen HPSEBL, the government plans to recruit 2,000 T-mates and linemen in the coming months.
Furthermore, Sukhu ordered the transfer of personnel posted in industrial areas for extended periods to promote transparency and accountability.
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Govt according top priority to strengthen rural economy to realize dream of self-reliant Himachal: CM Sukhu
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], June 11 (ANI): Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said the state government is working with a resolve to make Himachal Pradesh a self-reliant and prosperous state, for which various measures have been taken during the last two and a half years. He remarked that this dream can only be realised by strengthening the rural economy, as more than 80 per cent of Himachal's population is dependent on agriculture and horticulture. Shifting focus to raising the economy of the agrarian community is the state government's top priority. 'Himachal has become the first State in the country to provide a Minimum Support Price (MSP) on organic products produced from natural farming. My government twice enhanced the MSP on the procurement of maize, firstly to Rs. 30 and thereafter to Rs. 40 per kilogram and that of wheat from Rs 40 to Rs 60 per kilogram. Besides, my government is providing an MSP of Rs. 90 per kilogram to increase the production of raw turmeric,' Chief Minister said. The state government has introduced maize flour produced through natural farming under the brand name Him- Bhog Him- Makki. This product highlights the state's commitment to sustainable agriculture and empowering farmers. More than 4,000 quintals of maize have been procured from as many as 1590 farmer families practising natural farming across 10 districts of the state, excluding Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur, an official release said. Sukhu said the state government has made Him-bhog Him-Makki maize flour available through the Public Distribution System (PDS) depots across the state. 'This flour is also available for sale on HIM-ERA, the government-authorised portal. This initiative aims to make organic maize flour accessible to both urban and rural populations, he said, adding that Rs 1.20 crore was directly transferred to farmers' bank accounts for the procurement of around 400 metric tonnes of maize.' The state government has decided to provide an MSP for raw turmeric from this financial year, which will be processed and marketed under the brand name 'Himachal Haldi'. The state government has set a target to connect 9.61 lakh farmers with natural farming in a phased manner, reiterated the Chief Minister. 'When the Congress came to power two and a half years ago, I observed that the farmers used to sell their land under compulsion just to repay the loan amount. We decided to help such farmers through the Interest Subvention Scheme, as a one-time settlement, especially for those facing land auctions', said the Chief Minister. He said that during the last two and a half years, a shifting trend has been witnessed in the agrarian economy, wherein farmers are shifting their focus towards natural farming. Farmers in large numbers across the state, have adopted chemical-free farming which is evident from the fact that over 2,23,000 farmers and horticulturists have adopted natural farming, either partially or fully in almost all the panchayats of the State. The state government has focused upon exploring options for additional income generation for farmers, ensuring fair prices for their produce, providing quality seeds, expanding and strengthening irrigation facilities, providing crop insurance, providing training and promoting agricultural research. This initiative reflects not only a commitment to the environment but also a dedication to empowering farmers and strengthening the rural economy, making Himachal Pradesh a pioneer in sustainable agricultural development, release said. The state government's proactive measures in providing fair pricing, expanding natural farming and supporting small farmers ensure a brighter future for Himachal Pradesh's farming community by bridging the gap between traditional farming practices and modern market demands, thus setting an example for the rest of the country, said the Chief Minister. (ANI)
Hindustan Times
7 hours ago
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13 hours ago
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As he opened the pass for domestic tourists, Sukhu became only the second state chief minister to visit the high-altitude pass after Yashwant Singh Parmar. Former prime minister Indira Gandhi visited the region 1968. The strategic pass near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) may also work as a new route for the sacred Kailash Manasarovar Yatra. The tourism initiative, launched by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Tuesday, also aims to bolster the local economy and foster cultural exchange in the remote border region. Kalpa (Kinnaur): Himachal Pradesh has opened the Shipki La pass, a motorable mountain pass at an altitude of 3,930 metres in the tribal Kinnaur district, to domestic tourists, a significant step towards revitalising border tourism and reviving hopes of resuming India-China trade through the route stalled since 2020. The state government secured the Ministry of Defence's approval to open border areas, including Shipki La, Lepcha, Giu, and Rani Kanda to domestic visitors, easing restrictions imposed due to security concerns. 'Tourists can now experience the pristine beauty of Shipki La, one of the highest motorable passes in the region,' Sukhu said at a public gathering at the pass. 'This initiative will strengthen the local economy, create employment opportunities, and boost tourism in Kinnaur's border areas.' He urged the central government to engage with China to restart trade through the pass and to consider Shipki La as a viable route for the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra, a pilgrimage revered by Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains. Also Read: Why Himachal is unwilling to release water for long-delayed Kishau multipurpose project A historical trade route Shipki La, through which the Sutlej River (known as Langqen Zangbo in Tibet) enters India, has long served as a vital trade corridor between India and Tibet. Historically, it facilitated the exchange of 37 export items from India—such as agricultural implements, copper products, clothes, tea, and spices—and 20 import items from China, such as wool, raw silk, yak tails, and herbal medicines. Trade through the pass resumed in 1992 after a hiatus following the 1962 India-China war but faced setbacks in recent years due to geopolitical tensions, notably the Doklam standoff, and was completely halted in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic. 'There are immense possibilities for trade and cultural exchange through Shipki La,' Sukhu said. 'We will raise the matter of restarting trade with the central government to restore this centuries-old route.' Hishey Negi, the president of the Kinnaur Indo-China Trade Association, wrote to the Kinnaur deputy commissioner last month to expedite discussions with the Ministry of External Affairs to resume trade from 1 June. He requested 150 trade passes for local traders, emphasising the economic lifeline that the trade provides to border villages. Namgya Panchayat pradhan Baldev Negi shared historical context with ThePrint, recalling a trade treaty signed centuries ago between the princely states of Ladakh, Rampur Bushahr, and Guge in Tibet. 'The treaty was signed at a location called Lauhche, now in Tibet,' he said. 'I heard this from my elders. It was related to trade among these regions.' Norbu Chhoria, a former pradhan, provided further insights into the pass' history. 'The old name of Shipki La was Pema La, or Shared Gate, also known as Shared Pass. It was declared the Line of Actual Control post-1962, and later, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police named it Shipki La.' वर्षों के इंतज़ार के बाद शिपकी-ला अब पर्यटकों के लिए पूरी तरह खुल चुका है। यह केवल एक पर्यटन स्थल ही नहीं, बल्कि हिमाचल की संस्कृति, साहस और शांति से जुड़ने का एक द्वार है। शिपकी-ला न सिर्फ़ सैलानियों का स्वागत करेगा, बल्कि क्षेत्र की आर्थिकी को नया जीवन देगा। — CMO HIMACHAL (@CMOFFICEHP) June 10, 2025 A potential pilgrimage route Beyond trade, Shipki La holds spiritual significance as a potential gateway for the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra. 'I will meet the prime minister and present the case for starting the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra via Shipki La, which could be the easiest route for pilgrims,' Sukhu said. Saraswati Negi, local Mahila Mandal Pradhan, elaborated on the route's feasibility to serve this purpose. 'There is a route from Shipki La to Kailash Manasarovar. The Chinese road extends up to Shipki village, with a 4-kilometer path in between. It used to take 15 days on horseback to reach Kailash Manasarovar. This route was specially prepared for trade, but it can serve pilgrims too.' She added, 'Opening this route for tourism and pilgrimage will create employment opportunities for the youth of our villages.' The pass' location, close to the sacred Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar in Tibet, makes it a compelling alternative to existing pilgrimage routes, which often involve longer and more arduous journeys. Also Read: 'This wealth is Himachal's, we deserve rightful share,' says CM Sukhu amid Punjab-Haryana water row Boosting tourism & local economy The opening of Shipki La to tourists is part of a broader strategy to stimulate economic growth in Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti, which share a 240-km border with China. Tourists can access the pass via the Shimla-Kinnaur Highway, taking a detour near Khab village. Entry requires valid identity documents such as an Aadhaar card, and is strictly monitored by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) on a daily basis. Overnight stays at the pass are prohibited to maintain security. Revenue Minister and Kinnaur MLA Jagat Singh Negi underscored how the tourism initiative would address the region's economic challenges. 'This is a significant step to boost tourism in the border district,' he said. 'It will help locals financially, and curb migration from remote areas of Kinnaur, where economic opportunities have been limited since the suspension of the trade.' Tenzin, a resident of Nako village, echoed the sentiment, 'Trade is not just a part of our history but a source of livelihood for many. Its resumption, alongside tourism, is crucial for our survival.' Lalit Negi, a resident of Kalpa, said, 'Opening Shipki La will bring visitors beyond the explored valleys of Kinnaur, directly benefiting local communities through increased economic activity.' The state government has also requested the central government to engage with China to resume livestock trade and other exchanges, signaling a proactive approach to restoring economic ties. Despite the enthusiasm, significant challenges remain. The suspension of trade since 2020 has strained local economies, and ongoing geopolitical tensions between India and China complicate efforts to resume cross-border trade activities. The state government, however, remains committed to overcoming these hurdles through dialogue with the central government, MLA Negi said. 'We have requested the Centre to engage with China to resume livestock trade and other exchanges,' he said, adding the success of these efforts will also depend on diplomatic progress and the resolution of security concerns along the LAC. (Edited by Ajeet Tiwari)
