Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu met Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria on Thursday to raise several long-pending issues concerning the state, including Himachal Pradesh's 7.19% share in Chandigarh, pending dues from the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), construction of an additional Himachal Bhawan, and the state's claim over the Shanan Hydroelectric Project.
During the meeting, Sukhu reiterated that under the provisions of the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966, Himachal Pradesh is a successor state to the erstwhile undivided Punjab. He asserted that the state is entitled to a legitimate 7.19% share in Chandigarh, proportional to the population of the territories transferred to Himachal.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the need for an additional Himachal Bhawan in Chandigarh, stating that the existing Himachal Bhawan is no longer adequate to meet the growing requirements of students, patients, government officials, and other visitors from the state.
He informed the Governor that, following discussions with the Chandigarh Administration, 4.736 acres of land in Sector 52 has been identified for the construction of the new Himachal Bhawan, which would significantly improve accommodation facilities for residents visiting Chandigarh.
Sukhu further stated that Chandigarh was developed using the combined resources of the erstwhile Punjab. While Punjab and Haryana have benefited from the city's land, assets, and administrative infrastructure for decades, Himachal Pradesh has been deprived of its rightful constitutional share. He urged the Governor to support the state's claim and facilitate the allocation of its legitimate stake in Chandigarh.
The Chief Minister also raised the issue of pending BBMB dues, noting that the Supreme Court has recognized Himachal Pradesh's 7.19% share in BBMB projects and their associated benefits.
He said the state has been awaiting 13,066 million units of electricity and the corresponding financial benefits for more than a decade, and called for an early resolution of the matter.
Another key issue discussed was the Shanan Hydroelectric Project in Mandi district. Sukhu argued that the former princely state of Mandi was never a part of undivided Punjab and had merged with the Indian Union in 1948. Therefore, he said, the Shanan project does not fall under the transferred territories covered by the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966.
The Chief Minister pointed out that the 99-year lease of the Shanan Hydroelectric Project expired on March 2, 2024, and maintained that any claim to continue operating or managing the project based on the expired lease has no legal basis.
Concluding the meeting, Sukhu stressed that all pending issues between Himachal Pradesh and Punjab can be resolved through mutual dialogue, respect, and the spirit of cooperative federalism, urging all stakeholders to work towards an amicable and constitutional solution.
