hp-s-450mw-shongtong-hydro-project-gets-fca-clearance

The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has finally granted FCA Stage-II clearance for the use of approximately 85 bighas of land for the 450 MW Shongtong Karcham Hydro Electric Project in Kinnaur district.  The clearance, which was pending since 2018, is essential for the construction of the project.

 

Disclosing this here today, Chief Minister, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said the persistent efforts of the present state government have played a crucial role in achieving this milestone. “This land is needed for the construction of the barrage, which is essential for completing the project. The FCA clearance was pending with the Union Ministry for a long time, but the state government diligently worked to secure the necessary approval from the Centre,” said Sukhu.

 

The Chief Minister said 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 addressing the conditions stipulated for the in-principle approval and subsequently requested the Centre for final approval.

 

The construction work of the 450 MW Shongtong Karcham Hydro Electric Project, which was awarded in 2012, is expected to be completed by November 2026. “In preparation for the commencement of power generation, a transmission line is also being laid.

 

The tender process for this transmission line has been initiated to ensure its timely completion, to avoid financial losses to the state,” said the Chief Minister.

 

He said it was important to harness hydropower along with other renewable energy sources, as the power sector was the key area to bolster the economy of the state. The Shongtong Karcham Hydro Electric Project would significantly boost the state's power generation capacity and contribute to its economic growth.

 

The Chief Minister said that apart from this the state government has also laid special focus on promoting green industry in Himachal Pradesh by initiating various initiatives, enabling it to contribute to the state's economy.