HP invites fresh bids for power projects

The Himachal Pradesh government has decided to re-advertise seven major hydropower projects, according to the provisions of the latest power policy.

The cabinet met here late Monday and decided to float fresh tenders for the 236 Mw Dugar project, 81 Mw Tingret, 70 Mw Mane Nadang, 60 Mw Lara, 40 Mw Kuling Lara, 13 Mw Suil and 7.5 Mw Kihil Bahl projects.

The cabinet, which met under the chairmanship of Chief Minister P K Dhumal, also accepted the recommendations of the Himachal Pradesh Infrastructure Development Board.

The recommendations are with regard to free power royalty from Independent Power Producers (IPPs) of small hydropower projects of up to 5 Mw capacity, according to the revised power policy. Those IPPs which have not started work on their projects so far could have their allotments cancelled.

It also decided to give its nod for inviting expressions of interest for constructing ropeways from Neugal to Palampur in Kangra district and from Shah Talai to Deoth Sidh in Hamirpur district.

The cabinet also gave its approval for the revised health insurance scheme for handloom weavers. Around 16,000 weaver families will be eligible to spend up to Rs 7, 500 every year for outdoor medical treatment and up to Rs 15,000 for indoor treatment by paying a nominal premium.