Himachal Pradesh rightful owner of Shanan power house: CM

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that Himachal Pradesh was a rightful owner of Shanan Power House constructed by the British in 1925 at Joginder Nagar. Talking to The Tribune here today, the Chief Minister categorically stated that the 99-year lease of the project had already expired in March 2024, when the project was to be handed over to the Himachal Pradesh Government. However, the Punjab Government has moved the Supreme Court staking its claim on the Shanan power house even after the expiry of the lease, which was totally uncalled for.

The CM clarified that during the reorganisation of the states in 1966, the Shanan power house was given to Punjab by the Central Government as at that time the lease agreement was yet to expire. Now the Punjab government is adopting delaying tactics in the transfer of power project to the state government.

Sukhu said the Himachal Pradesh government would fight the issue in the Supreme Court with full force and would succeed in getting the project. He said he would fight the legal battle in the Supreme Court till the logical end and he was in no mood to leave the property to Punjab.

“Unfortunately, the Punjab Government has virtually abandoned the project, stopped its repair and maintenance and looks like it would hand over just ruins to Himachal. The project infrastructure, including buildings, rail lines and haulage way trucks and trolleys, are in bad shape. The ropes and pulleys of the haulage way have rusted and decayed for want of maintenance forgetting that this marvellous and heritage monument should be preserved and protected for the future generations,” Sukhu added.

During the British regime in 1925, the Shanan hydroelectric power house was constructed under a 99-year lease executed between Joginder Sen, the then ruler of the Mandi state and Col BC Batty, a British representative.