Himachal CM Sukhu seeks 12% free power from BBMB projects for Himachal

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting the provision of 12 per cent free power to Himachal Pradesh from all Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) projects.

In his letter, Sukhu highlighted that while all hydro projects approved by the state government contribute free power to Himachal, the BBMB projects have not extended the same benefit.

“Despite the fact that vast hydro power potential in Himachal Pradesh was taken away with the setting up of BBMB projects, the state is not getting its due,” the Chief Minister pointed out.

Calling the situation a “historical wrong,” he urged the Prime Minister to intervene and rectify it by allocating 12 per cent free power from BBMB projects to the state.

In a separate letter to Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, Sukhu requested that Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd (SJVNL) be directed to provide one per cent additional free power from the Nathpa Jhakri Power Project. This, he said, should be allocated to the Local Area Development Fund (LADF), following the model adopted for the Rampur power project, for the benefit of project-affected families.

The Chief Minister also demanded rightful representation for Himachal Pradesh in BBMB by appointing a full-time member from the state. “Despite repeated requests at various levels, the state has not received its rightful representation as whole-time member in the BBMB,” he wrote.

Additionally, Sukhu has reached out to Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, seeking a written commitment for the settlement of energy arrears owed to Himachal Pradesh. He noted that Haryana, along with Punjab, owes the state 13,066 million units of power from BBMB projects accrued between November 1966 and October 31, 2011.

“This amount can be given over a period of 15 years to Himachal Pradesh at the rate of 871 million units per year,” Sukhu suggested. He added that a resolution on the issue would enable both states to move forward on several ongoing and proposed power projects.