Mini-micro projects: HP proposes policy change

Nearly, a dozen allotments of the projects have already been cancelled after BJP’s return to power. Ironically, some of the project, which have been delayed were allotted during earlier BJP regime.

“We held a day-long conference with the hydro power companies earlier this month and made it clear that the government will not allow delays unless there are genuine reasons,” said Principal Secretary (power) Ajay Mittal.

Mittal said the issues raised by some of the Independent Power Producers (IPPs) are being examined and some changes in the power policy will be required. “We are working on these changes to simplify the procedure of getting clearances of different government departments,” he said.

Currently the IPPS have to taken NOCs from at least nine government agencies, including local panchayat, IPH department and Fisheries. There is demand for granting one time NOC through a single window authority on the lines of the Industrial investments.

Mini-Micro projects, mostly located in the state’s interiors, are considered to be low-cost green energy.The companies are entitled for 45 per cent subsidy up to Rs 2.25 crore for projects of one MW capacity.

Two years back, Himachal Pradesh had no written policy for allotment of the projects. There have been doubts regarding allotments made to big companies based in Andhra Pradesh ,Gujarat,UP, Delhi and Karnataka.

Mittal said the litigation, which the government has been facing, is a result of lack of transparency in the allotments and non-serious allottees. It has been a big blow to the state’s drive for speedy power generation. “The government is spending more time in handling cases in the High Court than monitoring the progress of each projects,” he said.

Inquiries reveal, approximately 108 projects allotted by previous BJP government between 1998-2003, are nowhere near completions and another 200 privatised during the Congress regime have been awaiting some of mandatory approvals. Around 80- 90 project allotments were cancelled during past five years but more than half of these were re-allotted to the investors. In all 38 other projects are still awaiting cancellations.