The High Court asked the companies, how much water tax was collected from the public?

Nainital. The Uttarakhand High Court, while hearing the special appeals filed by the state government against the water tax imposed on hydropower companies, has asked all the hydropower companies to submit their replies by August 6. . The next hearing in this matter will be held on August 6.

The hearing of the case was held in a double bench of Chief Justice Vipin Sanghi and Justice RC Khulbe. It was said on behalf of the petitioner that the state government had imposed a water tax on hydro power generating companies by enacting a law in the year 2012. This move of the government on behalf of the hydropower companies was challenged in the High Court and the single bench, justifying the government’s move, dismissed the petitions filed by the hydropower companies.

Tehri Jal Vidyut Vikas Nigam (THDC), Alaknanda Power Project Pvt Ltd, National Thermal Power Corporation Ltd., Swati Power Project Pvt Ltd, Bhilangana Hydroelectric Project, Jai Prakash Power Venture Pvt Ltd. Adi filed a special appeal. It was said on behalf of the petitioners that the matter comes under the purview of the Central Government and the State Government does not have the right to make laws in this matter.

After hearing the matter, the court directed all the hydropower companies to tell whether they have collected any water tax from the public or not? If yes, how much has been recovered? The matter will now come up for hearing on August 6.