
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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India Gazette
2 hours ago
- India Gazette
Will advocate opening of Shipki-La route for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra with Central Government: Himachal CM Sukhu
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], June 10 (ANI): Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday launched border tourism activities at Shipki-La, a high-altitude 3,930-meter motorable mountain pass bordering India and China in the tribal district of Kinnaur. Addressing a public meeting on the occasion, the Chief Minister said, 'We have eased restrictions for the tourists to enjoy the beauty of Shipki-La, and the tourism activities here would strengthen the local economy, along with boosting tourism in the region.' He said that the state government had requested the Ministry of Defence to grant permission for starting tourism activities in the border areas of Lepcha, Shipki-La, Giu and Rani Kanda. After the approval for the same, the border tourism initiative has been launched. The Chief Minister said that the State government would raise the issue of starting Kailash Mansarovar Yatra from Shipki-La with the central government as well. 'I would meet the Prime Minister and present this matter before him. Shipki-La will be the easiest route for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra,' he said. The centuries-old trade route between India and Tibet, Shipki-La, was closed for trade in 2020. There are immense possibilities of trade and cultural exchange through this pass, and the matter of restarting it would also be raised before the Central Government, said the Chief Minister. Sukhu stated that the state government has also urged the Centre to establish the Himachal Scout Battalion, which would have a special quota for the local people of the border areas of the state. The matter of setting up an airport to promote tourism in the border areas would also be pursued before the Union Government. The state government would urge the Centre to abolish the Inner Line Check Post of the military and paramilitary forces, which currently creates permit-related obstacles for tourists. Special attention was being given to promoting seamless travel and improving the experience of tourists, under which cooperation with the Indian Army and Paramilitary Forces would be emphasised. He said that the Wangtu-Atargu-Mud-Bhaba road connecting Lahaul-Spiti district to Kinnaur has been approved by the National Wildlife Board, thus paving the way for its construction. This road would reduce the distance between Shimla and Kaza by approximately 100 km. The Chief Minister said that border roads were not only of strategic importance, but their purpose was to provide benefits to the people by increasing connectivity in remote border regions. He said that he had also recently discussed the action plan to promote tourism in the border areas with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). There has also been a discussion on using various ITBP helipads to promote tourism in remote areas. Discussions have also been held about providing medical facilities to the people through the ITBP health institutions. 'We were proud of the valour of the Army and the Paramilitary Forces. He also inaugurated the Border Forest Park at Shipki-La and visited Indira Gandhi Point,' he said. Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi welcomed the Chief Minister and thanked him for inaugurating border tourism activities. He said that more basic facilities would be increased at Shipki-La in the near future. He also urged the start of an on-demand bus route in the area. (ANI)


New Indian Express
5 hours ago
- New Indian Express
After throwing open Shipki La pass for public, Himachal CM Sukhu keen to use route for Kailash Manasarovar Yatra
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News18
8 hours ago
- News18
Shipki La Near China Border Opens To Tourists For First Time In 78 Years
Last Updated: Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday became only the second head of the Himachal Pradesh government to set foot on Shipki La In a historic move, the Shipki La pass on the India-Tibet border in Himachal Pradesh has been thrown open to tourists and local public for the first time since independence in 1947. Nestled in the high-altitude terrains of Kinnaur district, this strategic Himalayan pass, previously restricted to trade activities, will now allow visitors to witness one of the most closely-guarded border zones in the country. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday became only the second head of the Himachal Pradesh government to set foot on Shipki La, following in the footsteps of state founder Yashwant Singh Parmar and former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who had trekked to the pass in 1968, long before a road was even built here. CM Sukhu's visit marks the formal launch of a 'Border Tourism" initiative aimed at opening up the mystique of the high frontiers to tourists. The Chief Minister laid the foundation stone of the Sarhad Van Udyan, a green development project near the Indo-Tibet border, and addressed locals along with personnel of the Indian Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) stationed at the frontier. Raising slogans of ' Bharat Mata Ki Jai ', the Chief Minister hailed the valour of the armed forces and later trekked to the high vantage point of Indira Point to survey the actual Line of Control. The move is being seen as a powerful assertion of civilian presence in these remote and geopolitically sensitive regions, especially amid heightened tensions with China along multiple Himalayan fronts. Shipki La has historically served as a key route for Indo-Tibetan trade, connecting Kinnaur district with Tibet. This trade was halted in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic and has not resumed since. For centuries, traders passed through here exchanging wool, salt, and grain with their counterparts in Chinese-occupied Tibet, visible just across the border. According to the plan, visitors can reach Shipki La via the Shimla-Kinnaur highway, taking a detour near the Khab village. Tourists will be allowed entry by showing valid identity documents such as an Aadhaar card, though overnight stays remain prohibited. Entry is free for now, but access will be strictly monitored by the ITBP, which will grant permissions on a day-by-day basis. Interestingly, the Shipki La corridor is also part of the route to Kailash Mansarovar, a major Hindu pilgrimage in Tibet. However, access to Mansarovar through this route still requires Chinese clearance, as the region remains under China's control. Apart from tourism and cultural revival, the move carries strategic undertones. With China's increasing infrastructure activity across the LAC, India's decision to promote controlled civilian movement in its own borderlands is being viewed as a message of resolve and presence. First Published: June 10, 2025, 15:43 IST