Shimla, Aug 28 (IANS): Hydropower projects in Himachal Pradesh owe more than Rs.250 crore to the state government, Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal said here Tuesday. He said the companies have been asked to pay up.

As per the hydropower policy of the state, it is mandatory for all hydropower projects to pay 1.5 percent of the total project cost as local area development fund (LADF).

"The government has received Rs.185 crore in the past four and a half years under LADF, while Rs.264 crore is still due with the companies, including public sector undertakings," Dhumal, who holds the power portfolio, said during question hour in the assembly.

He said Jaypee Karcham Hydro Corp Ltd's 1,000 MW Karcham Wangtoo Hydroelectric Project in Kinnaur district still has to pay Rs.33 crore.

"The government has calculated Rs.103 crore on account of LADF with Jaypee Karcham Hydro out of which it has paid Rs.70 crores. The government has issued notice to the company too to pay the remaining amount," the chief minister said.

Dhumal said even public sector undertakings have defaulted on payment of Rs.157 crore. The National Thermal Power Corporation is executing the 800 MW Koldam hydroelectric power project in Bilaspur district. NHPC is executing Parvati and Chamera projects in Kullu and Chamba districts, respectively.

"In the past three years, 92 projects have deposited Rs.87.44 crore under LADF with the government. As many as 118 projects still have to deposit the amount," he added.

Himachal Pradesh has abundant water resources with a power generation potential of about 23,560 MW. About 6,673 MW have been harnessed till now by the central and state government undertakings, private players and joint venture companies.