CM Sukhu presses Centre for 7.19% Chandigarh share, BBMB dues and Airport expansion support
Old photo. Used for indicative purpose only
Shimla, Nov 17,
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday asserted before the Union Government that Himachal Pradesh is legally entitled to a 7.19 percent share in Chandigarh’s land and assets as mandated under the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966, and reinforced by the Supreme Court’s 2011 judgment. Speaking at the 32nd meeting of the Northern Zonal Council in Faridabad, he demanded immediate action to honour this lawful entitlement. He also pressed for the appointment of a permanent Himachal representative in the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) and the release of all pending dues owed to the State.
Reinforcing Himachal’s hydropower rights, the Chief Minister sought implementation of the 12 percent free power royalty in centrally operated projects and enhancement of the State’s royalty to 50 percent in projects where cost recovery has been completed. He urged the Centre to hand over hydropower projects in Himachal that have completed 40 years and sought full central funding for the power components of the under-construction Kishau and Renuka dam projects, with an equal 50-50 electricity share for both Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand after completion.
Against the backdrop of recurring climate-induced disasters, Sukhu called for a complete review of disaster relief rules and norms, emphasising an integrated and sustainable development framework for the entire northern region. He sought early release of nearly Rs 10,000 crore under the Post-Disaster Needs Assessment and the Rs 1,500 crore package announced by the Prime Minister, noting that the State had already provided relief to affected families despite severe financial stress. He also pushed for a special task force to compensate Himachal for the Rs 9,478 crore revenue deficit up to 2023-24 after the end of GST compensation.
Highlighting the State’s tourism and strategic priorities, he urged the Centre to bear the land acquisition cost and provide full funding for the expansion of the Kangra Airport. He requested a dedicated master plan for developing small airports and heliports and proposed a high-altitude research centre, ice hockey stadium and adventure sports training facilities in border regions. He also sought early initiation of the National Buddhist Institute in Spiti and reiterated Himachal’s demand to open the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Shipki-La. The Chief Minister detailed ongoing efforts to boost border tourism from Shipki-La and other Indo-Tibet frontier areas.
On law enforcement and social protection, Sukhu highlighted Himachal’s multi-dimensional fight against narcotics, backed by a three-month intensive awareness campaign against substances such as Chitta. He reiterated strict enforcement of the POCSO Act and the State’s zero-tolerance approach toward crimes against children. He urged early resolution of boundary issues with Ladakh in the Sarchu and Shinkula regions and requested upgrading the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change’s Shimla sub-office into a full-fledged regional office to fast-track forest clearances. He also sought permission to allot up to one bigha of forest land for houses for disaster-affected families, citing that most State land falls under the technical definition of forest.
Emphasising that the Himalayas are vital for environmental stability and clean water security across North India, the Chief Minister said the State remains committed to becoming a “Green State” despite fiscal challenges. The meeting was attended by Chief Ministers, Lieutenant Governors and senior officials of the Northern Zonal Council.
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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.
