<h1>Royalty increase for hydropower projects mandated, now raising long-term percentage obligations and boosting state revenues.</h1> The legal development requires raising royalty from 12% to 18% after the initial 12-year period for the Karcham-Wangtoo hydroelectric project, superseding a prior lower-court order that had allowed continued payment at 12%. The matter involves the interaction between the original project agreement, which contemplated a post twelve year higher rate, and the state's tiered royalty policy, resulting in enforcement of stepped royalty percentages and increased state revenue.