Khattar asks Chhattisgarh govt not to levy cess on hydro, pump storage projects

Union Minister Khattar Urges Chhattisgarh to Reconsider Cess on Hydropower Projects

New Delhi: Union Minister for Power, Manohar Lal Khattar, has requested the Chhattisgarh government to refrain from levying a cess on hydropower and Pumped Storage Projects (PSP), as such charges increase the power tariff for consumers. Khattar was in Raipur on Wednesday, where he chaired a review meeting on the state of the power sector in Chhattisgarh. He also urged the state, whose Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses are close to the national average of 13.5 percent, to strive to reduce these losses to below 10 percent. This reduction would minimize the financial burden on power distribution companies (DISCOMs) and the state.

Khattar Advocates for 100% Household Electrification in Chhattisgarh

During the review meeting, the minister called for the electrification of 100 percent of un-electrified households, particularly the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) households. The progress of the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) in Chhattisgarh was reviewed. Khattar highlighted the importance of initiatives taken under the Ease of Living (EoL) program to enhance consumer experience regarding electricity services. He also emphasized the importance of providing reliable, quality, and affordable electricity for all consumers. The role of RDSS in improving the financial viability of DISCOMs and reducing technical losses was also discussed.

Expedite Clearances for NTPC’s Captive Coal Blocks, Says Khattar

The minister advised the Chhattisgarh state government to expedite resolving issues related to the projects of state-run NTPC, which are either conceptualized or under development. Referring to NTPC’s captive coal blocks in Chhattisgarh, the minister asked the state government to address land acquisition and mining lease-related issues to facilitate the development of these coal blocks.

Union Minister Khattar assured the Centre’s continued support and cooperation in the overall development of the state. The meeting was attended by Vishnu Deo Sai, Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Vijay Sharma, Deputy Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, and Tokhan Sahu, Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs. Senior officials from the Ministry of Power, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, the state government, and Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) were also present at the meeting.