Shimla, Sep 16 - Himachal Pradesh will explore the possibility of creating a hydropower fund for the benefit of small, mini and micro hydropower producers in the state, Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal said here Wednesday.

'The government is planning to create a hydropower fund to assist the small, mini and micro hydropower producers,' he said at a seminar organised by Himurja (state energy development agency) and the Himalaya Power Producers Association.

The government is promoting mini and micro hydropower projects in the state as these are environment-friendly and help the the local people meet their power requirements, Dhumal said.

'The government has set up a state-level single window clearances and monitoring committee to ensure early and timely clearance of proposals,' he said.