Shimla: During the monsoon session of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu responded to allegations by the opposition BJP regarding the Pekhubela Solar Power Project in Una district. BJP MLA Bikram Singh had raised concerns about the project, claiming that it was submerged due to heavy rains on August 20 and had not produced power at full capacity since it began. He also alleged corruption and said that ₹50 crore would be required to restart the plant.
The chief minister clarified that the project was not closed due to floods but because of waterlogging caused by excessive rain. He said the project is expected to start functioning again from September 15. Sukhu also noted that the solar panels at the site remained operational and continued generating power.
Challenging the BJP, the chief minister suggested that if the party believed corruption had taken place in the Pekhubela project, it should approach the Enforcement Directorate (ED) or the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). He termed the opposition’s claims as baseless and said the BJP MLA Bikram Thakur had developed a phobia of the project.
Sukhu explained that the government had stopped payment of ₹50 crore to the company responsible for building and maintaining the project because the company abandoned the work on June 14, 2025. Until the matter is resolved, the Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPCL) will manage the project.
Bikram Singh had raised that the plant had never operated at full capacity and had produced only 16 MW of electricity, while its capacity is 32 MW. He criticized the location of the project, saying it should have been installed at 356.50 meters above sea level but was built at zero level. Singh also claimed that out of ten inverters installed in the project, only four were working initially and all had now stopped due to flooding.
The chief minister, however, dismissed these claims, reiterating that the project was affected only temporarily by waterlogging and would resume operations soon. He emphasized that the government was committed to completing and properly maintaining the project while ensuring transparency and accountability.
Apart from the Pekhubela project, Chief Minister Sukhu discussed plans to boost religious tourism in the state. He said the government is evaluating a proposal to include the famous Manimahesh Yatra and other holy sites in Chamba district under the central government’s PRASAD Scheme. PRASAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive) is a fully funded central scheme that develops and promotes pilgrimage sites across India. It aims to improve infrastructure, amenities, and the overall tourist experience while promoting sustainable development.
Sukhu noted that the tourism department received the proposal from the regional office in Chamba on June 6. He said the evaluation is being carried out as per the Ministry of Tourism’s guidelines and would be sent to the central government for approval once completed. He also highlighted that under the PRASAD scheme, ₹56.26 crore has already been sanctioned for the development of Chintpurni temple.
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MLA Dr. Janak Raj had raised concerns about the Manimahesh Yatra, pointing out a lack of facilities along the pilgrimage route. Sukhu assured that if the proposal is approved, the state would receive 100% central funding for all components of the project. The inclusion of the yatra under PRASAD is expected to improve amenities for pilgrims, make the journey safer, and boost tourism in the region.
The chief minister’s comments underline the state government’s dual focus: ensuring the Pekhubela Solar Project resumes efficiently and promoting religious tourism through the PRASAD scheme. The government aims to maintain transparency in projects while also improving infrastructure for residents and visitors.
In summary, the Himachal government is taking steps to manage both energy and tourism projects effectively. The Pekhubela Solar Project will resume operations soon under HPCL supervision, and any claims of corruption can be investigated through ED or CBI. Meanwhile, the state is preparing to enhance pilgrimage experiences in Chamba district, with the potential inclusion of Manimahesh Yatra under the PRASAD scheme, supported by full central funding. These efforts reflect the government’s commitment to development, accountability, and improving facilities for citizens and tourists alike.
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