The Indian Express reported that to fast-track hydro-power generation, Himachal Pradesh government seems to have compromised with major socio-ecological issues by waiving mandatory clearances to do away with the process of public consultations.
The move is a complete U turn by the government on its earlier decision to involve locals users of water and other right holders in sanctioning new hydro-power schemes.
It’s more seen as a short cut measure instead of expediting the process for granting NOCs to the power producers, of which 70% are private investors. Himachal Pradesh has a power potential of 27,000 MW of which only 10,000 MW has been tapped so far.
The power producers had been alleging delays in grant of sanctions and department NOCs, compelling the government to remove the clause of NOCs.
For any project coming up in Himachal, the investors will not be required to get NOCs of Public Works Department, Irrigation & Public Health department, Revenue, Fisheries and Wildlife. All the clearances which were earlier mandatory as per state government’s power policy, is now a bygone thing.
Source – The Indian Express
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