Himachal's Shongtong Hydro Electric Project Gets Green Light

The Shongtong Hydro Electric Project in Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh, has received stage-II clearance under the Forest Conservation Act from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. This clearance, essential for project completion, has been pending since 2018. The project will enhance Himachal's power capacity and economic growth.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced that the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has approved the stage-II clearance under the Forest Conservation Act (FCA) for the Shongtong Hydro Electric Project in Himachal Pradesh's Kinnaur district.

This crucial approval from the Centre had been pending since 2018, but diligent efforts from the state government led to its acquisition. The FCA clearance covers 85 bighas of land necessary for the 450 MW Shontong Karchham Hydro Electric Project.

The Chief Minister further revealed that the Stage-I clearance was initially granted by the Union Ministry on March 19, 2024. Following this, the state government submitted a compliance report and sought final approval. The project, awarded in 2012, is expected to be completed by November 2026 and promises to enhance the state's power generation capacity and boost economic growth.

(With inputs from agencies.)