Himachal to ramp-up legal efforts for BBMB Power royalty, pending Water dues from Punjab, Haryana

Himachalscape bureau June 29, 2025 3 minutes read

Old photo. Used for indicative purpose only

Shimla, June 29,

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Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has sharply criticized the Central government and neighboring states like Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan for neglecting the state’s rightful claims over hydropower resources, particularly from the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB). During a recent press conference, Sukhu reiterated Himachal’s demand for a 12 percent free power royalty from BBMB, a matter that the state has been pursuing for a long time. He also stressed that it was a matter of state policy that any centrally-established power projects built on Himachal’s land should be transferred to the state government after a span of 40 years.

The Chief Minister expressed frustration over the lack of benefits flowing to Himachal despite the state being the source of hydropower generation from its rivers. He questioned why residents of Himachal should not receive their due share when the water of their streams is being used for generating electricity. According to Sukhu, the state is actively pursuing this issue through both legal channels and other platforms to ensure that the people’s rights are honored.

He also pointed out the ongoing issue of people displaced by the BBMB project, particularly from Bilaspur, who have yet to receive land allotments in Rajasthan, despite waiting for years. Sukhu vowed that the state would continue to fight for these displaced people’s rights. He also called on neighboring states to clear the over 14-year-old arrears before any further progress could be made on the Kishau Dam project. In a bold statement, he insisted that Himachal would only agree to supply water to New Delhi and Haryana once these pending dues are settled.

The Chief Minister highlighted the Supreme Court’s earlier ruling, which had granted Himachal a 12 percent share in the BBMB’s generated power, and assured that the state would approach the court again to ensure compliance. He also suggested that if Haryana files its affidavit in the Supreme Court, it would force Punjab to release its 6 percent share, which would help meet Himachal’s rightful power entitlement.

Himachal is also locked in legal battles over compensation for landowners who lost their properties due to the construction of the Bhakra and Pong dams. Additionally, the state is asserting its control over several key hydropower projects, including Shanan. Sukhu made it clear that his government would not compromise on the state’s interests, pledging to continue pushing for fair compensation and power shares through every possible legal and political avenue.

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The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.

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