CM Sukhu writes to PM Modi and Union Power Minister, calls for rectifying decades-old injustice; seeks energy arrears and full-time Himachal member in BBMB.
Shimla: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the Centre to allocate 12% free power from Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) projects to the state—terming the current arrangement a “historical wrong” that needs to be rectified.
In his letter, Sukhu emphasized that all hydro projects approved by the Himachal government contribute free power to the state, but BBMB projects, despite harnessing Himachal’s vast hydro potential, have not extended this benefit.
“The people of Himachal have long been denied their fair share,” Sukhu stated, appealing for corrective action.
He also addressed a letter to Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, seeking one per cent additional free power from the Nathpa Jhakri Project under Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd (SJVNL), to be allocated to the Local Area Development Fund (LADF) for the benefit of affected families—similar to the Rampur power project model.
Further, the Chief Minister demanded rightful representation for Himachal in the BBMB by appointing a full-time member from the state, a request he said has long been ignored.
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Sukhu also reached out to Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, requesting a written commitment for settling energy arrears owed to Himachal by Haryana and Punjab. These arrears amount to 13,066 million units of electricity, pending from November 1966 to October 31, 2011.
Proposing a staggered payment, Sukhu suggested that 871 million units per year be provided over 15 years to settle the dues. “A resolution on this long-standing issue would pave the way for future power collaborations,” he added.
