BBMB Verdict Reflects Strong Political Will of Himachal Government: CM Sukhu.
Chief Minister highlights successes in BBMB arrears, Kishau Dam, Wildflower Hall and JSW cases; says government aims to make Himachal Pradesh the country’s most prosperous and self-reliant state by 2032.
Shimla:
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu received a warm welcome with traditional musical instruments at his official residence, Oak Over, in Shimla on Saturday upon his return from New Delhi following Himachal Pradesh’s historic victory in the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) arrears case in the Supreme Court.
Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh, MLAs Harish Janartha and Suresh Kumar, Principal Adviser (Media) to the Chief Minister Naresh Chauhan, Shimla Municipal Corporation Mayor Surinder Kumar, Deputy Mayor Uma Kaushal and Advocate General Anup Rattan were among those present on the occasion.
Addressing the media, Sukhu described the favourable Supreme Court verdict as a major achievement in safeguarding Himachal Pradesh’s economic interests. He said the victory was the outcome of the present state government’s strong political will, firm determination and sustained legal and political efforts.
He pointed out that despite an earlier decree and a favourable Supreme Court ruling in the BBMB arrears matter, the issue had remained unresolved for nearly 15 years. On several occasions, the necessary replies and responses had not been submitted within the stipulated time.
The Chief Minister said that immediately after assuming office in 2022, the Congress government made securing the state’s rightful dues a priority. Over the past three years, the government consistently pursued the matter at both political and legal levels without yielding to pressure.
Kishau Dam Agreement Helped Secure State’s Interests
Sukhu said the groundwork for the BBMB case victory was laid during discussions concerning the Kishau Dam Project agreement. The state government had made it clear to the concerned parties that Himachal Pradesh would proceed with the project only if the Haryana Government submitted the necessary affidavit before the Supreme Court in support of the state’s position in the BBMB arrears case.
He said the matter was also consistently raised during meetings with the Union Power Minister and senior officials. The government maintained that Himachal Pradesh’s rights in the BBMB matter must be addressed before further progress on the Kishau Dam Project.
The affidavits submitted by the Haryana and Central governments before the Supreme Court played an important role in protecting the state’s interests. Although the Punjab Government initially hesitated to file its affidavit, Himachal Pradesh remained firm in its position.
The Chief Minister said the state agreed to the Kishau Dam agreement only after carefully examining its financial and other interests. He asserted that the government would not compromise on the state’s rights over its water and energy resources.
BBMB Arrears to Generate Rs 15,000-20,000 Crore
Highlighting the financial benefits of the Supreme Court verdict, Sukhu said the BBMB arrears were expected to generate an estimated revenue of Rs 15,000 crore to Rs 20,000 crore for Himachal Pradesh over the next 20 years. In addition, the state would receive 11,973 million units of electricity.
He said the government was also exploring better options to secure a higher price for the electricity received from BBMB. At a rate of Rs 6 per unit, the state could earn approximately Rs 500 crore, but the government was working towards a better power agreement that could increase the annual revenue to around Rs 1,000 crore.
Similarly, the Kishau Dam Project is expected to generate revenue of approximately Rs 12,000 crore over the next five years. These financial gains would significantly strengthen the state’s economy and accelerate its journey towards self-reliance, he added.
Success in Wildflower Hall and JSW Cases
The Chief Minister said the present government had achieved significant success in several other long-pending matters concerning Himachal Pradesh’s interests.
He said the Wildflower Hall case had remained pending for nearly 23 years, but sustained efforts by the government had helped the state start receiving revenue from the property.
Similarly, the government had effectively pursued the issue of increasing electricity royalty from 12 per cent to 18 per cent in the JSW-owned Karcham-Wangtoo Hydroelectric Project. The state secured a favourable verdict from the Supreme Court in this matter as well.
As a result, the state exchequer is now expected to receive approximately Rs 150 crore in additional annual revenue, he said.
Sukhu said these achievements demonstrated that even the most difficult challenges could be overcome through strong political will, determination and commitment to public welfare.
Appeals for Political Unity on State’s Rights
The Chief Minister said that the Opposition had an important role in a democracy and was fully entitled to criticise the government. However, when it came to protecting Himachal Pradesh’s rights and economic interests, all political parties should rise above political differences and stand united.
He said the people had entrusted the present Congress government with the responsibility of protecting the state’s assets and resources for its five-year term, and the government was fulfilling this responsibility with dedication.
Referring to the challenges posed by natural disasters, he said the government had taken determined steps towards reconstruction and rehabilitation. The state’s disaster management initiatives had also received appreciation from institutions such as the World Bank and NITI Aayog.
Himachal Aims to Become India’s Most Prosperous State by 2032
Sukhu said the government was working with a clear roadmap to make Himachal Pradesh self-reliant and economically strong. The target was to transform the state into the country’s most prosperous and economically powerful state by 2032.
He said better utilisation of natural resources, protection of the state’s assets and strengthening its revenue base would remain the key priorities in achieving this goal.
The Chief Minister reiterated that the government was committed to fulfilling the trust placed in it by the people and would continue fighting for the state’s rightful dues while pursuing development and economic self-reliance.
On the occasion of Diwali, Sukhu also extended his warm greetings to the people of Himachal Pradesh. He said Dhanteras had brought renewed hopes of happiness, prosperity and a brighter economic future for the state.
