To press their demands, small Hydropower Producing Entrepreneurs from Himachal has formed a forum ‘Bonafide Himachali Hydropower Producing Entrepreneurs.’ Rajesh K Sharma was appointed its president, Raman Thakur and Ramchand were given a charge of senior vice-presidents, Anil Chauhan, Ramu Ram and Amit appointed as vice-presidents, Raj Kumar Verma and Harish Guleri chief patrons, HD Himalyain general secretary, Yashwant Thakur organising secretary, Arun Negi joint secretary, CA Rajeev finance secretary and Vikas Thapta as forum’s media secretary.
A newly formed forum of independent power developers, the Bonafide Himachali Hydropower Producing Entrepreneurs, has demanded the government to come out with a fair policy to help local developers to raise funds from financial institutions.
The forum which met here today drew the attention of the government to problems being faced in the execution of projects due to hindrances created by the local people and the indifferent attitude of the administration. It decided to take up the matter with the state government so that the problem undermining the hydropower programme could be resolved. Bonafide Himachali Hydropower Producing Entrepreneurs body also discussed the problem of fund raising as banks and other financial institutes are reluctant to provide funds.
It demanded that penalties levied by Himurja for late submission of detailed project reports (DPR) and delay in starting work be waived as those were linked to various clearances. It also demanded the early clearance from the departmental formalities.
The forum urged the government to take immediate steps to formulate a policy for the development of 100-KW micro-power projects, so small power producers could avail themselves of incentives given by the Centre. It also demanded for the early allotment of pending applications.
