Shimla, Mar 25 (PTI) Hydropower projects would be taken back if the NHPC does not accept the conditions of the state government, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu informed the house on Tuesday. The chief minister stated that the previous state governments had given hydel projects to NHPC (National Hydro Power Corporation) at 12 percent royalty for indefinite period, which is wrong.

"We have clearly told the Union Energy Minister Manohar Lal that as per the government policy the royalty is paid at 12, 18 and 30 per cent and the project would be returned to the government after 40 years", he said in reply to a question of Neeraj Nayyar (Congress).

Sukhu said that thousands of Bighas of surplus lands are with the hydro power projects including the NHPC and BBMB and the government is fighting for it.

It is a long battle and the government has held talks on the issue with the Managing Director of NHPC, many a time, Sukhu said, adding that 40-year lease of Baira Siul was over but the previous government extended it by 20 years.

Sukhu said that the displaced families should get priority in jobs in these projects and the memorandum of understanding (MOU)s signed with NHPC would be reviewed. PTI BPL MR MR

State reclamation of hydropower projects if operator rejects revised royalty and lease-term conditions, with MOUs subject to review. The state will reclaim hydropower projects if the operator refuses the government's conditions requiring adherence to the state royalty framework and time-limited leases; MOUs with the operator will be reviewed. The government asserts claims over surplus project land and prioritises employment for displaced families, and it contests prior indefinite grants and contested lease extensions granted by previous administrations.