NHPC gave Chamba over Rs 56 cr infra push through CSR: Mahajan

NHPC Limited has injected over Rs 56 crore into Himachal Pradesh Chamba district through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives between 2020-21 and 2025-26, according to Rajya Sabha MP Harsh Mahajan. This significant investment has notably boosted social welfare, education, healthcare, and sanitation infrastructure, bringing tangible improvements to the lives of people, especially in remote areas. This substantial spending highlights the ongoing importance of India's Companies Act, 2013, which legally mandates eligible companies to dedicate a portion of their profits to social development. NHPC's efforts in Chamba saw the highest expenditure, Rs 29.69 crore, directed towards the Chamera-II project area. These initiatives include constructing 45 school buildings, installing 350 water purifiers, and enhancing diagnostic capabilities in five district laboratories. This commitment goes hand-in-hand with Chamba's status as an 'Aspirational District,' a government program aimed at rapid socio-economic improvement, and complements the broader Central government support for Himachal Pradesh, a cause frequently championed by Mahajan himself. Looking forward, NHPC's engagement in Chamba is expanding beyond traditional welfare. The company is set to establish Himachal Pradesh first Green Hydrogen Mobility Station in the district by August 2025, near its Chamera-3 power station. This project aligns with the state's ambitious goal to become a 'Green Energy State' by March 2026. Such continuous and diverse initiatives by Public Sector Undertaking like NHPC underscore their vital role in driving both economic progress and social upliftment across India.