Himachal Chief Minister seeks 7.19 per cent share in Chandigarh

Himachal should be given 7.19 % share in Chandigarh: Sukhu The Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has reiterated the demand for a 7.19% share in Chandigarh for the state from the Punjab Governor and UT Administrator, Banwarilal Purohit, during a meeting held at the Raj Bhavan in Chandigarh. The meeting was an effort to address several long-standing issues between the two governments and administrators. Sukhu has been consistent in his stance to claim a share in Chandigarh as it falls within the geographical area of Himachal Pradesh..

He believes that the state has been deprived of its rightful share due to historical and administrative reasons. During the meeting, Sukhu raised the issue of the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) dues, which are pending for several years, affecting the state’s power projects. The Chief Minister has claimed that Himachal Pradesh has been unfairly charged a higher rate for the power generated from the Bhakra Dam, resulting in significant losses for the state..

He requested the Punjab Governor and UT Administrator to reconsider the dues and adjust them according to the agreed-upon share. The issue has been pending for decades and has caused a strain on the state’s economy. Sukhu also brought up the matter of the Shanan Power Project, which is being developed by the Himachal Pradesh government..

The Chief Minister sought the assistance of the Centre in acquiring a loan from a foreign bank to complete the project. The Shanan project aims to generate 390 MW of power and will be a significant contributor to the state’s power needs. Sukhu wants to ensure that the project proceeds smoothly and meets its scheduled deadline..

The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Himachal Pradesh government, including the Chief ary, while the Punjab Governor and UT Administrator were accompanied by their teams. The officials discussed various other issues related to the sharing of river waters, irrigation projects, and power transmission lines. The meeting comes at a time when the Punjab-Haryana-Himachal tripartite agreement on the sharing of river waters is being reviewed..

The agreement, which was signed in 1981, has been under scrutiny due to changing water requirements. Sukhu has been advocating for a fair and equitable distribution of water between the states, keeping in mind the needs of each region. The Chief Minister wants to ensure that the revised agreement is in favor of Himachal Pradesh, which relies heavily on the river waters for irrigation and drinking purposes..

Sukhu also sought the help of the Centre in completing the Shimla-Chandigarh four-laning project, which has been delayed due to bureaucratic reasons. The project aims to improve connectivity between the two cities, boosting tourism and trade between the two states. The Chief Minister believes that this road network will help reduce travel time and facilitate movement of goods and services..

The Himachal Pradesh government has been taking up several development projects in the region, which has seen significant economic growth in recent years. However, the state’s dependence on external factors, such as the Centre and other states, has become a major concern for the government. Sukhu wants to ensure that the state’s interests are protected and its resources are utilized efficiently..

During the meeting, Sukhu also brought up the issue of the Shimla airport being a major tourist hub for international tourists. He sought the assistance of the Centre in improving the airport facilities and increasing the number of flights. This will help attract more tourists and boost the state’s economy..

The Chief Minister’s meeting with the Punjab Governor and UT Administrator is part of an ongoing effort to resolve pending issues between the two governments. Sukhu has been in constant touch with the authorities in Chandigarh, discussing ways to address the shared challenges and opportunities facing the two regions. The meeting comes at a time when the Himachal Pradesh government has been making significant strides in development projects..

Sukhu has been actively pushing for infrastructure development, agriculture, and social sector initiatives, which have yielded positive results. The Himachal Pradesh government is committed to maintaining cordial relations with all neighboring states and the Centre. The Chief Minister has been engaging with the authorities in Punjab and Chandigarh to resolve long-standing issues, demonstrating his commitment to finding solutions that benefit all parties involved..

The meeting highlights the importance of inter-state collaboration and cooperation. By working together, the governments of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Chandigarh can address the shared challenges and leverage each other’s strengths to achieve economic progress. The Himachal Pradesh government will continue to engage with its neighbors and the Centre to resolve pending issues and foster mutually beneficial relationships..

In the wake of Sukhu’s meeting with the Punjab Governor and UT Administrator, it remains to be seen how their discussions yield concrete results. The state government’s efforts to secure a 7.19% share in Chandigarh will be closely watched by the people of Himachal Pradesh and neighboring states. The Chief Minister’s initiative demonstrates his commitment to addressing the historical disparities and finding solutions that benefit all parties involved..