Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday called on Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria and discussed several long-pending issues of importance to the state. He sought the Governor's support for the early resolution of matters concerning Himachal Pradesh's rights and interests.
The Chief Minister reiterated Himachal Pradesh's claim to its legitimate 7.19 per cent share in the Union Territory of Chandigarh. Referring to the provisions of the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966, he said Himachal Pradesh was a successor state to the erstwhile Punjab and was entitled to its due share based on the population ratio of the areas transferred to the state.
He said Chandigarh was developed using the consolidated resources of undivided Punjab. While Punjab and Haryana had benefited from the city's land, assets and governance structure for over five decades, Himachal Pradesh was yet to receive its rightful share. He urged that the state be granted its due 7.19 per cent share in Chandigarh.
Sukhu also highlighted the need for an additional Himachal Sadan in Chandigarh to meet the growing requirements of people from the state visiting the city. He said the existing Himachal Bhawan, built decades ago, was no longer sufficient to accommodate the increasing number of students, patients and other visitors from Himachal Pradesh. Chandigarh continues to serve as a major centre for higher education, healthcare and administrative services for the state, with thousands of residents visiting every month, including many patients seeking treatment at PGI Chandigarh.
He informed the Governor that, following consultations with the Chandigarh Administration, a suitable 4.736-acre site in Sector 52 had been identified for the proposed Himachal Sadan.
The Chief Minister also sought intervention for the settlement of long-pending dues related to the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB). He said the Supreme Court had recognised Himachal Pradesh's entitlement to a 7.19 per cent share in BBMB projects and the associated benefits. He added that the state had been awaiting its entitlement of 13,066 million units of power and the related financial dues for more than a decade.
Sukhu also raised the issue of the historic Shanan Hydroelectric Project, located in Himachal Pradesh. He said the erstwhile Mandi State was never part of the composite State of Punjab. Instead, it acceded to and merged with the Union of India in 1948. Himachal Pradesh was constituted as a Part 'C' State in 1951 and was later declared a Union Territory with effect from November 1, 1956.
He said the Shanan Hydroelectric Project is situated in Mandi district, which was never included in the "transferred territories" defined under Section 2(n) of the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966. Therefore, the provisions of the Act do not apply to the area where the project is located, and no rights over the project can be derived under it.
Sukhu further said the 99-year lease executed for the Shanan Hydroelectric Project expired on March 2, 2024. With the expiry of the lease, all rights arising from it stood extinguished. He added that any claim to continue operating, managing or possessing the project on the basis of the expired lease has no legal basis and is unsustainable in law.
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that all pending issues could be resolved through constructive dialogue, mutual respect and the spirit of cooperative federalism.
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