No intention to trifurcate power board: CM
Tribune News Service

McLeodganj, January 23
The state government has no intention to trifurcate the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board (HPSEB). An indication to this effect was given by Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal here today.

He said state was trying to find a legal solution to the problem under the Electricity Act, 2003. Efforts were being made to retain the board in the present form abiding by the provisions of the Act.

The CM indicated that the proposal put forward by the state engineers association that the HPSEB should be notified and given licence to operate as a transmission utility, might be opted by the state government.

The last extension granted by the Centre to trifurcate the HPSEB lapsed in July last year.

The CM said Kangra district had got Rs 22 crore under the Rajiv Gandhi Village Electrification programme.

He said the work on Rohtang tunnel moved at a very slow pace during the Congress rule. “It has picked up momentum now after the matter was lobbied with the Centre. Besides a tunnel for road traffic, another one for railway traffic has also been proposed through the Rohtang Pass,” he added.

The CM also laid the foundation stone of a 33/11-KV substation in the Naddi area. The substation was likely to be completed by January next year. It would improve power supply in Naddi, Kajlot, Kareri, Bhagsunag, Dharamkot and Forsetganj areas.