16 hydel power projects register for water cess

Sixteen of 172 hydroelectric power projects in the state have registered themselves for the imposition of water cess. The Jal Shakti Department had issued notices to 172 hydroelectric power projects last month, directing them to register themselves with it within a month for the purpose of water cess.

Two private power companies had challenged the imposition of the cess in the Himachal High Court.

Interestingly, many government and Central public sector undertakings (PSUs) have registered themselves for the cess after receiving the notices. This assumes significance as the Union Ministry for Power had on April 25 written a letter to all state governments and power companies such as the NHPC and the NTPC, among others,