Punjab Claims Ownership of British-era Shanan Power Project in Himachal
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Synopsis
Punjab Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO asserts that the Shanan Power Project in Himachal Pradesh, established during British rule, is the rightful property of Punjab. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the historical facts regarding this ownership dispute.
Key Takeaways
- Punjab's claim on the Shanan Power Project is rooted in historical legislation.
- The Punjab Reorganisation Act of 1966 defines assets allocation.
- Agnihotri's statements are seen as damaging to inter-state relations.
- Legal actions are underway to protect Punjab's interests regarding the project.
- The project was completed in 1932 under British oversight.
Chandigarh, April 18 (NationPress) Punjab Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO stated on Friday that the Shanan Power Project, established during the British era in Himachal Pradesh, is the rightful property of Punjab.
In his statement, he urged that Himachal Pradesh's Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri should familiarize himself with the facts surrounding the ownership of the project instead of making baseless claims. He emphasized that Agnihotri's lack of knowledge is harming the strong ties between the two states.
ETO reminded Agnihotri that in 1966, the reorganization of Punjab occurred following a notification from the Government of India on May 1, 1967, concerning the ownership of assets and liabilities of the newly reorganized states. According to Section 67 (4) of the Punjab Reorganisation Act of 1966, the Government of India assigned the assets and liabilities of the Hydro Power House Joginder Nagar to the Punjab State Electricity Board, which currently operates as PSPCL in Punjab.
The minister asserted that the Act passed by Parliament is a binding law that must be executed as is. He stated that the Punjab Reorganisation Act clarifies the rights of the states, affirming that the Shanan project fully belongs to Punjab.
ETO noted, “The Ministry of Irrigation and Power of the Government of India communicated via letter no. EL11.77(45)/71 on March 22, 1972, to the Secretary of the Multipurpose Projects and Power Department of Himachal Pradesh that the May 1, 1967, notification concerning the distribution of power stations would remain unchanged. Furthermore, the ownership dispute was raised by Himachal Pradesh with the Ministry of Energy, which was again firmly rejected by the Government of India in 1987. This clearly indicates that the allocation of the Shanan Power Project to Punjab is entirely justified, as it rightfully belongs to Punjab.”
The Power Minister pointed out that Agnihotri claimed that the Ruler of Mandi leased the project to the Government of India for 99 years, asserting that Mandi was never part of Punjab. He further reminded Agnihotri that the construction of the project commenced in 1925 and concluded in 1932, according to the agreement between the Ruler of Mandi and the British Government.
ETO highlighted that after India's independence, all districts of Himachal were included in Punjab. He criticized Agnihotri's misleading statements, which he deemed unacceptable.
Harbhajan Singh added that in 2023, the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh also referred to the expiration of the lease for the Shanan Power Project and had written to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann regarding the transfer of the project to the Himachal government.
To alleviate the undue pressure from Himachal Pradesh concerning the Shanan Power Project and to safeguard Punjab's interests, a petition has already been filed in the Supreme Court by the Secretary (Power) of the Punjab government, which is currently under review. Therefore, Agnihotri should avoid commenting on the Shanan Power Project.
