Centre approves Rs 1,810-crore hydropower project in Himachal Pradesh, Amit Shah calls it gift from PM Modi

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday praised the Centre for approving the Luhri Hydro Power Project in Himachal Pradesh and termed it as a gift to the people from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He Tweeted, "Big gift to the people of Himachal from PM @NarendraModi. As Modi Govt has approved 210MW Luhri Hydro Power Project worth Rs 1810 crores in today's cabinet. This clean energy project will help in reducing pollution and generating huge employment opportunities in the region."

The 210-megawatt Luhri stage-I hydropower project will be constructed on river Satluj in Shimla and Kullu districts. The project will help generate 758.20 million units of electricity every year.

"The power generated from the Project will help in providing grid stability and will improve the power supply position," union minister Prakash Javadekar said in a press briefing today.

According to an official statement, Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (SJVNL) will implement the project with the help from the government of India and Himachal Pradesh.

The project is likely to generate 2,000 jobs. While the state will get free power worth Rs 1,140 crore from the hydro-electric project during its life cycle of 40 years, said the Centre.

The government is also supporting this project by providing grants of Rs 66.19 crore for enabling infrastructure which has helped in reducing power tariff. The Luhri Stage-I Hydro Electric Project shall be commissioned within a span of 62 months, the official statement read.