SHIMLA, 24 June — Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the Centre to allot 12% free power to the state from all Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) projects. Calling the existing arrangement a “historical wrong,” Sukhu said Himachal Pradesh has not received its rightful share despite bearing the brunt of hydroelectric exploitation by BBMB.
“While all hydro projects approved by the Himachal Pradesh government contribute free power to the state, BBMB projects continue to deny us this benefit,” Sukhu stated in his letter. He said that BBMB’s failure to offer free power, unlike other projects, disregards the state’s contribution to India’s energy landscape and natural resource infrastructure.
In a separate communication to Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, the Chief Minister demanded an additional 1% free power from the Nathpa Jhakri Hydropower Station, operated by Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd (SJVNL). He proposed that this share be allocated to the Local Area Development Fund (LADF) to support communities affected by the project, following the precedent set by the Rampur power project.
Sukhu also reiterated Himachal’s long-pending demand for representation in the BBMB, requesting the appointment of a full-time member from the state. “Despite repeated appeals at multiple levels, Himachal Pradesh has been excluded from decision-making within the BBMB,” he wrote.
In a third letter addressed to Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, the Himachal CM pressed for a written commitment on long-pending energy arrears. Sukhu noted that both Haryana and Punjab owe Himachal 13,066 million units of power from BBMB projects, covering the period between November 1966 and October 31, 2011.
“This amount can be settled over a span of 15 years at the rate of 871 million units annually,” he suggested, adding that resolution of the issue would remove a major roadblock in advancing several power initiatives involving the three states.
The Chief Minister’s multi-pronged effort reflects a broader push to secure both financial and operational equity for Himachal Pradesh, which has long claimed underrepresentation and resource injustice in inter-state hydro power agreements.
