CM Sukhu Presses for Himachal’s Representation in BBMB Board, Demands Pending Dues and Greater Power Share.
Seeks permanent member post in BBMB, handover of Baira Siul project, and release of central funds during meeting with Union Power Minister.
New Delhi:
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu met Union Minister for Power Manohar Lal Khattar in New Delhi yesterday, where he strongly advocated for the State’s interests in various hydroelectric and urban development matters. Chief among his demands was the appointment of a permanent member from Himachal Pradesh in the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) — a long-standing issue that has gained renewed urgency.
The Chief Minister highlighted Himachal Pradesh’s significant contribution to the country’s power generation, especially through hydro power projects operated by Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs). He emphasized that despite this contribution, the State has not received its fair share of benefits, particularly from projects where costs have already been fully recovered.
“We are contributing immensely to the nation’s development through hydel power. It is only just that Himachal Pradesh is given its due,” CM Sukhu stated, pressing for an increase in the State’s free power share from such projects.
Another major issue raised was the long-pending demand for the transfer of the Baira Siul hydroelectric project — commissioned in 1980-81 — to the Himachal Pradesh government. The Chief Minister thanked the Union Minister for his in-principle approval for the transfer of several other hydro projects to the State, including Luhri, Sunni, Dhaula Sidh (currently under SJVNL), and the Duggar project of NHPC. He noted that cost assessments for these projects are currently underway.
In addition to power-related concerns, the Chief Minister also sought the release of central funds for the development of Jathia Devi Township, and reviewed progress on various ongoing projects under the Urban Development Department.
Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar assured CM Sukhu of full support from the Centre, expressing willingness to address the issues raised and strengthen the Centre-State coordination in development initiatives.
The meeting was attended by senior officials from Himachal Pradesh including Principal Advisor to CM Ram Subhag Singh, Principal Secretary (Finance) Devesh Kumar, Secretary to CM Rakesh Kanwar, and Resident Commissioner Meera Mohanty.
The discussion marks a critical step in Himachal’s ongoing efforts to secure a fair share of resources and representation in central energy and infrastructure governance bodies.
