Indian Express: Parbati project transfer may come unstuck

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Parbati project transfer may come unstuck

Navneet Sharma

CHANDIGARH, Aug 3: Himachal Pradesh government's proposed move to transfer the long-delayed 2,501 megawatt Parbati hydro-electric project in the Kullu Valley to the public sector National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC) may come unstuck if it disturbs the present power-sharing agreement with the partner states of Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat and Delhi.

In respose to a letter from Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal to his counterparts in Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Delhi last week to seek their no-objection for the proposed transfer, the Haryana government said it will support the move only if it did not disturb its agreed share in power.

It is learnt that even the remaining three states are against any changes in the power-sharing agreement.

While the Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister has not made any reference to any changes in the agreement, doubts persist about the likely impact of the transfer on power-sharing, according to power department sources. These states are planning to seek a clarification from the HP govt in this regard.

The power-sharing agreement has been a contentious issue ever since the Himachal government sought an increase in its share, according to sources. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed by the BJP government in Himachal Pradesh with the four partner states in the early 90s, provided for 12 per cent free power to Himachal and another 5 per cent on payment.

However, with a change in the government, the state authorities changed their stand - the Virbhadra government sought a hike in the share of the state to 25 per cent, thereby causing a stalemate. Though there have been reports that the Dhumal government may scrap the inter-state agreement, it seems highly unlikely for political reasons. The BJP governments in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana (in alliance with the Haryana Vikas Party) and Delhi are expected to resist any such move.

The MoU for the project - which will cost over Rs 8,200 crore as per the 1991-92 prices - provides for 35.2 per cent share in power for Rajasthan, 22 per cent for Haryana, 13.2 per cent for Gujarat and another 13.2 per cent for Delhi.

While Rajasthan is to bear 40 per cent of the cost of the project, Haryana has to provide 25 per cent, followed by 15 per cent each for Gujarat and Delhi. The project which was planned in three phases - of 800 MW, 501 MW and 750 MW - was originally scheduled to be completed by year 2006-7 but has been delayed by the power-share controversy.

Net Express

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