Should Himachal CM Receive 12% Free Power from BBMB Projects?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Himachal Pradesh's Chief Minister Sukhu is advocating for 12% free power from BBMB projects, emphasizing historical injustices. This call aims to bolster the state's energy resources and ensure equitable representation, paving the way for improved collaboration between states.
Key Takeaways
- 12% free power allocation is sought for Himachal Pradesh.
- BBMB projects currently contribute no free power.
- Historical injustices in energy allocation need addressing.
- Representation in BBMB is crucial for Himachal Pradesh.
- Energy arrears from Haryana and Punjab can be resolved collaboratively.
Chandigarh, June 23 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has formally requested 12 percent free power from all projects associated with the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) for his state.
In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sukhu emphasized that while the state government has ensured free power from all hydropower projects, BBMB projects have failed to contribute any free power to Himachal Pradesh. He stated, 'The state has suffered and did not get its due. This historical wrong can be corrected now with your intervention by providing 12 percent free power from BBMB projects to Himachal Pradesh.'
Moreover, in separate correspondence with Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, he has requested an additional one percent free power from the Nathpa Jhakri Power Project and the establishment of a Local Area Development Fund, akin to the Rampur Power Project, to benefit families impacted by the project.
Sukhu has also urged the Union Power Minister to appoint a whole-time member from Himachal Pradesh to the BBMB, citing a lack of proper representation despite multiple requests.
In a letter to his counterpart in Haryana, Nayab Singh Saini, he requested a formal agreement for Haryana to consent to provide BBMB energy arrears with a six percent interest rate before the upcoming hearing. Haryana and Punjab collectively owe energy arrears totaling 13,066 million units from November 1966 to October 2011, which could be paid to Himachal Pradesh in installments over 15 years.
He concluded, 'A resolution on this matter would enable both our states to move forward on the projects in the pipeline and also projects under consideration to address the needs of Haryana.'
Point of View
The call for 12% free power from BBMB projects by Himachal Pradesh's Chief Minister reflects ongoing regional disparities in energy distribution. It emphasizes the need for equitable resource allocation and representation in national management boards, aligning with the broader interests of the nation.
NationPress
23/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the 12% free power request?
The 12% free power request aims to address historical energy allocation disparities, ensuring Himachal Pradesh receives its fair share from BBMB projects.
Who is the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh?
The Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh is Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.
What are BBMB projects?
BBMB projects refer to energy projects managed by the Bhakra Beas Management Board, which oversees hydropower projects in the region.
What other requests did Sukhu make in his letters?
Sukhu requested additional free power from the Nathpa Jhakri Power Project and sought representation in BBMB.
What are the energy arrears owed by Haryana and Punjab?
Haryana and Punjab owe a total of 13,066 million units in energy arrears from November 1966 to October 2011.
