Himachal people must get rightful share of water: CM Sukhvinder Sukhu

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu yesterday said that the people of Himachal Pradesh must receive their rightful share of water. “Water is the most precious natural asset of Himachal Pradesh. The state produces 12,000 MW of electricity, yet what Himachal has gained from it? The SJVNL has grown into a Rs 6,700 crore company but we need to ask what Himachal has gained? Punjab and Haryana are fighting over water, but it’s flowing from Himachal. What are we getting in return?” he added.

Sukhu inaugurated a newly constructed parking facility at Sector 5 in New Shimla, built at a cost of Rs 18 crore. The three-storey structure could accommodate over 50 vehicles. He announced Rs 50 lakh for the construction of another parking in New Shimla, the establishment of a community centre and a primary health centre.

While recollecting memories of his personal connect to the area, the Chief Minister said, “My sister lives here and I have spent my childhood in this locality. My political journey also began from here. Where Sector 5 is located today, there used to be walking trails. We would walk through this area and overtime, it has seen significant development.”

The Chief Minister also reflected on the financial challenges the Congress government had inherited. “When we formed government in the state, we inherited a debt of Rs 75,000 crore and pending liabilities of Rs 10,000 crore of state employees. To stabilise the economy, we took some bold decisions. Through honest and transparent governance, we have generated an additional revenue of Rs 2,500 crore in the past two and a half years. Not one allegation of corruption has been levelled against our government,” Sukhu claimed.