Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs Manohar Lal reviewed the urban development schemes and the power sector scenario for Himachal Pradesh in a meeting held in Shimla. The meeting was attended by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Minister for Public Works & Urban Development Vikramaditya Singh, and senior officials from both the state and central governments.

During the meeting, discussions were held on the overall power sector scenario and urban development matters. Issues related to the execution of works under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) and hydroelectric power projects were highlighted, and possible solutions were explored.

It was discussed that the state and the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) may jointly take up two pump storage projects (PSPs) — a 1,500 MW PSP at Raipur in Una district and a 2,800 MW PSP at Garia in Kangra district.

Chief Minister Sukhu thanked the Union Minister for his visit and highlighted the state's concerns regarding power sector projects, especially issues related to free power in hydroelectric projects.

Union Minister Manohar Lal emphasized the importance of RDSS in improving the power distribution sector and strengthening electricity infrastructure in remote areas. He advised the state to expedite the awarding and implementation of works sanctioned under RDSS, including electrification projects in border areas.

He also stressed that Himachal Pradesh has significant hydro-power potential that should be effectively utilized. "The Centre and the state should jointly work towards resolving pending issues," he said, assuring continued support and cooperation from the Government of India in the state's overall development.

The meeting also included officials from Sutlej Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd. (SJVNL), BBMB, and Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd. (RVNL), along with senior officials from the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs and the Ministry of Power.