CII tips for new power policy in Himachal

ALL INDIA BUSINESS CHAMBERS FOCUS HEAVILY ON THE NORTH

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has appealed to the Himachal Pradesh government that small hydel projects in the state for the last fifteen years be recognised as "native-industrial units" in the upcoming power policy of the state.

"Hydel projects below 2 Mw already in the state for the last 15 years should be considered at par with bonafide Himachal residents, cooperatives and NGO's," said Rajender Guleria, chairman CII, Himachal state council yesterday.

"These native industrial units should be encouraged to set up small hydro projects on priority basis for captive use and sell any additional power generated to the grid at the existing rate of Rs 2:50 per unit," the CII official said.

"This would allow them a chance to increase their stakes in the state and ensure improved economic viability of projects under 2 Mw capacity owing to better revenue collection for captive use instead of selling power to the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board(HPSEB) at fixed tariffs," he said.

The chamber has also suggested such projects be given a go-ahead only after single window clearance, besides approval powers be given to local agencies including panchayats. The CII says this will bring in transparency and ensure speedy implementation of the projects.