CHANDIGARH: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu called on the Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh, Gulab Chand Kataria, today to discuss several long-pending constitutional and financial issues of vital importance to the state. The Chief Minister sought the Governor’s support to facilitate an expeditious resolution of matters relating to Himachal Pradesh’s rights and interests.
Legitimate Share in Chandigarh
During the meeting, Chief Minister Sukhu reiterated the state’s claim to a 7.19 percent share in the Union Territory of Chandigarh. Citing the provisions of the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966, he stated that Himachal Pradesh, as a successor state to the erstwhile undivided Punjab, is entitled to its due share based on the population ratio of the areas transferred to the state.
He emphasized that Chandigarh was developed from the consolidated resources of undivided Punjab. While Punjab and Haryana have benefited from the city’s land, assets, and governance structure for over five decades, Sukhu noted that Himachal Pradesh has yet to receive its rightful share.
Land for New Himachal Sadan
Sukhu also highlighted the urgent need for an additional Himachal Sadan in Chandigarh to meet the growing requirements of people visiting the city for higher education, healthcare, and administrative services.
He explained that the existing Himachal Bhawan, built decades ago, is no longer adequate to accommodate the increasing monthly influx of students, patients visiting PGI Chandigarh, and other visitors. Following consultations with the Chandigarh Administration, a suitable site measuring 4.736 acres in Sector 52 has been identified for the proposed project.
BBMB Dues and the Shanan Hydroelectric Project
The Chief Minister sought the Governor’s intervention on two major power and infrastructure disputes:
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BBMB Dues: Sukhu pressed for the settlement of long-pending dues related to the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB). He pointed out that the Supreme Court has already recognized Himachal Pradesh’s entitlement to a 7.19 percent share in BBMB projects. The state has been awaiting the realization of 13,066 million units of power and the associated financial dues for over a decade.
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Shanan Hydroelectric Project: Asserting rights over the historic Shanan Hydroelectric Project in the Mandi district, the Chief Minister clarified that the erstwhile Mandi State was never a part of the composite State of Punjab, nor was it included within the “transferred territories” defined under the 1966 Act. Furthermore, the 99-year lease for the project expired on March 2, 2024. He emphasized that with the lease’s expiry, all associated rights stand extinguished, making any continued claim to the operation or possession of the project legally unsustainable.
Concluding his address, Sukhu expressed confidence that all pending inter-state matters could be successfully resolved through constructive dialogue, mutual respect, and the spirit of cooperative federalism.
