The Himachal Pradesh government has asked the state-run company Himurja (state energy development agency) to invite open bids from private players to execute 54 identified small projects ranging from 0.40 Mw to 5 Mw capacity, aggregating 134 Mw capacity.
This decision was taken by the state cabinet here on Wednesday. It also approved allotment of the 149-Mw Sacha pass hydel project to L&T Power Development Ltd.
The 13-Mw Suil project was bagged by MBD Ltd, a spokesman of the state government said here.
Himachal Pradesh is now set to venture into thermal and gas sectors by generating 2,000 Mw of additional power.
According to another decision, 1500 Mw will be generated by getting coal blocks in the name of the state government.
The remaining 500 Mw would be generated through share under ultra mega power projects besides tie ups with gas-based companies.
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The cabinet also decided that the Gypsa and Khab hydel projects would be developed under the state sector and an effort would be made to declare the Khab project as a project of national importance.
The cabinet also decided to bring down the lump sump rate of value-added tax (VAT) on brick kilns at par with neighbouring Punjab.
VAT has been reduced on washing soap, from the existing 12 per cent to 4 per cent.
The defunct Nahan Foundry, along with all its assets and liabilities, will be merged with the Himachal Pradesh State Industrial Development Corporation (HPSIDC).