Himachal Pradesh CM Advocates for State’s Rights on Chandigarh and Water Projects
On Friday, June 26, 2026, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu reached out to Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria, urging him to assist in resolving critical issues regarding the rights of the hill state. A focal point of the discussion was Himachal Pradesh’s claim to a 7.19% share in the Union Territory of Chandigarh.
During their meeting, Mr. Sukhu highlighted several longstanding matters of significant importance to Himachal Pradesh. He pointed out the provisions outlined in the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966, asserting that Himachal Pradesh serves as a successor state to the erstwhile Punjab and is thus entitled to its fair share, determined by the population ratio of the regions transferred to it.
Issues Regarding Chandigarh
“Chandigarh was developed using the consolidated resources of undivided Punjab,” said Mr. Sukhu. He emphasized that while Punjab and Haryana have reaped benefits from the city’s land, assets, and governance structure for over fifty years, Himachal Pradesh has yet to receive its rightful share. He reiterated the request for Himachal to be granted the 7.19% share in Chandigarh.
Pending Dues and Hydroelectric Project
Moreover, the Chief Minister sought Mr. Kataria’s intervention in resolving overdue payments related to the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB). He reminded that the Supreme Court had recognized Himachal Pradesh’s entitlement to a 7.19% share in BBMB projects and associated benefits, noting that the state has been awaiting its entitlement of 13,066 million units of power and the corresponding financial dues for over a decade.
Mr. Sukhu also urged for assistance in reclaiming the Shanan Hydroelectric Project from Punjab. “The Shanan Hydroelectric Project, located in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh, was never included among the territories transferred under the Punjab Reorganisation Act,” he explained. He elaborated that the lease executed for the project, which lasted 99 years, expired on March 2, 2024.
With the lease’s expiry, Mr. Sukhu stated, all rights associated with it have ceased to exist. He asserted that any claims to continue operation, management, or possession of the project based on the expired lease are not legally sustainable. Despite these challenges, he expressed confidence that a resolution could be achieved through constructive dialogue, mutual respect, and a spirit of cooperative federalism.
