Chandigarh, Dec 27: The Punjab government’s objections have brought an 18-MW solar power project proposed by the Bhakra Beas Management Board in Hoshiarpur district to a standstill, officials said.
The project, planned at Talwara on nearly 70 acres of BBMB land, was to be executed by Sutlej Jal Vidyut Nigam. However, state authorities refused permission for felling approximately 4,000 trees required for the project, invoking the Punjab Land Preservation Act.
BBMB officials said the halt could lead to financial losses, as around Rs 8 crore has already been spent on transmission lines linked to the project.
“The project was cleared at the district level, but the approval was later withheld,” said Chief Engineer Rakesh Gupta. “Delays are now creating uncertainty for the executing agency.”
According to officials, SJVN has warned of cost escalation and has indicated that it may withdraw if the impasse continues.
BBMB Chairman Manoj Tripathi is engaging with the Punjab government to find a way forward, officials said.
The state government has argued that surplus land held by BBMB should be returned to Punjab and has questioned BBMB’s authority to develop solar power projects.
No timeline has been indicated for resolving the dispute.
