Himachal to execute Kishau Dam project if Centre agrees to 90:10 funding: CM

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today said Himachal is willing to execute the Kishau Dam provided the Centre agrees to fund the power generation component on the same pattern of 90:10 that it will be providing for giving water to Haryana and Delhi.

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“It is totally unjustified to ask Himachal to pay entirely for the power generation component in the Kishau Dam while the Centre is willing to pay on 90:10 ratio for providing water to Haryana and Delhi from this very project,” said Sukhu while talking to media persons, here today.

The Chief Minister said the court hearing in the BBMB arrear case is now due in July next month. “We have now laid down the condition that Himachal will release water for the Kishau Dam provided Haryana files an affidavit in the apex court, agreeing to pay Himachal the pending BBMB arrears,” he said. “Our government is willing for the Kishau dam but on the condition that 90:10 funding by the Centre is even for power generation component to be handled by Himachal.

“Despite the Supreme Court awarding the 7.19 per cent share to Himachal as BBMB arrears in 2011, Punjab and Haryana are reluctant to pay us this amount. Himachal is virtually begging for its legitimate share despite the court verdict in its favour and even the Attorney General agreeing to this,” he lamented.

Sukhu said when the hydel power companies are making huge profits from the projects located in the state then why they are denying Himachal its legitimate right over free power share as royalty. He said why should Himachal be deprived of the free power share as royalty when the water in its rivers is being used to generate power. “Is it not the legitimate right of people of Himachal to get free power,” he said. Had Himachal got its legitimate share of free power, the state would have been far more affluent, he added.

Sukhu said today Himachal has a huge network of educational and health institutions but a majority of them are lacking in having the latest technology and equipment, which has resulted in deterioration of quality services. Had Himachal got its free share of power from hydel projects, then the state could have been financially far more strong.

Sukhu said tourism promotion remains the priority of the government as it will not only help generate employment but also herald economic prosperity.