SHIMLA- Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has welcomed the Union Government's decision to waive off the requirement of a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for utilizing waters from Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) projects for irrigation and drinking water purposes. But the Centre is remained mum on major State's demands of water cess and more royalty on BBMB and SJVN projects located in Himachal.
This decision comes as a result of the Chief Minister's persistent efforts to secure the state's rightful share.
Previously, the state had to go through numerous formalities and obtain NOCs to access BBMB project waters, which adversely affected the interests of the people.
Chief Minister stated, "We have always advocated for the state's rights in a just manner. In the past, various projects have utilized the state's natural resources without adequately considering the welfare of its citizens.
"While Himachal Pradesh has contributed to the overall development of the country and maintained amicable relationships with other states, we should not be deprived of our legitimate rights. We will continue to fight for the state's interests.", Sukhu asserted.
The state government has also demanded an increase in royalty for hydel projects. It has imposed water cess on power projects which have cleared their debts.
Even Punjab and Haryana are not paying Himachal's overdue share on power projects and as per the unjab Reorganisation Act despite the Supreme Court of Indian given a favourable judgment.
All these demands are in the realm of the Centre.
Currently, the state does not receive free power as royalty in BBMB projects, including the Bhakra Dam project, Beas Satluj link, and Pong dam project.
Himachal Pradesh only receives a 7.19 percent share of electricity from these BBMB projects, which is deemed insufficient.
Similarly, in Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (SJVNL) commissioned projects, Himachal Pradesh is entitled to free power at a rate of only 12 percent.
Additionally, the contract period for these projects is not fixed. The state has strongly presented its case to the central government, urging an increased percentage of free power and a fixed contract term of 40 years.
Once the set term expires, the projects will be transferred to the state.
During a recent state tour, Chief Minister Sukhu discussed these demands with Union Power Minister R.K. Singh.
With a positive response from the central government, the state eagerly awaits further favorable decisions that will help reclaim Himachal Pradesh's rights, particularly in hydel power projects.
It is not easy for the Sukhu Government to get these issues solved and done as per its demands as Centre remains non-committal on this so far. So a very rough terrain for the government to go in days to come in the hiurs of coming Lok Sabha elections.
