Shimla, Nov 7,
The Union Government will maintain a neutral stance in the legal dispute between Himachal Pradesh and Punjab over ownership of the 110 MW Shanan power project in Joginder Nagar, Himachal Pradesh, according to Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar. Speaking to the media on Thursday, Khattar emphasized that the central government would not favor either state.
During a two-hour discussion with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh, the Union Minister for Power addressed various power projects and schemes impacting Himachal Pradesh. The state government has sought intervention from the Central government to take ownership of the Shanan power project, as the 100-year lease with Punjab recently expired. Khattar assured that the Union government would uphold neutrality on the ownership dispute, intervening only to promote power policy in the interest of all states, without favoring one state over the other.
The Himachal Pradesh Government also raised the unresolved dispute over the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) project, where the Supreme Court granted Himachal Pradesh a 7.19% revenue share. However, this share has not yet been settled, as Punjab has challenged the decision in the Supreme Court. Khattar stated that the Union Government is studying the Punjab Reorganization Act of 1966 to determine its stance before filing an affidavit in support of Himachal Pradesh’s entitlement in the BBMB project.
Further discussions included issues of royalty and free power benefits in certain projects operated by the central government and other states, including those affecting Himachal Pradesh. Khattar mentioned that the Union government is reviewing the state’s stance and aims to finalize decisions by January 15 next year.
Regarding the water cess imposed by Himachal Pradesh on power projects, which was overturned by the state’s High Court, Khattar clarified that the matter is pending in the Supreme Court. He added that the Union Government would respect the court’s decision, focusing on keeping power affordable for consumers.
The Himachal government also requested ownership of an ante-magnet township in Jathiadevi. Khattar explained that under the 15th Finance Commission, Rs 8,000 crore is allocated to develop 10 ante-magnet townships across India, including two in hill states. Himachal Pradesh’s proposal for the township will be evaluated with priority, he noted.
Additionally, the Union Government assured support for green energy projects, aligning with its target of developing 5,000 GW of renewable energy, including solar projects, by 2030. The state and central governments discussed Himachal Pradesh’s priorities for urban development and ongoing projects under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.
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