Sukhu terms Supreme Court's stance on BBMB electricity dues as historic victory

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has described the Supreme Court's stance regarding the state's pending electricity share in the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) as a historic victory. He said that due to the government's firm resolve and legal pursuit, they have succeeded in taking forward the state's long-standing rights.

Talking to reporters after returning from his Delhi visit, the Chief Minister said his government has made no compromise with Himachal's interests. He stated that this dispute had been pending for nearly fifteen years because previous governments could not properly pursue the Supreme Court's orders within the stipulated time.

According to the Chief Minister, Himachal Pradesh could receive revenue ranging from Rs 15,000 crore to Rs 20,000 crore under this head during the coming twenty years. He said that if the state's electricity share is sold at Rs 6 per unit, it will initially fetch around Rs 500 crore annually, which can be increased up to Rs 1,000 crore upon getting better rates.

Sukhu stated that to resolve this matter, his government used the Kishau Dam project agreement. He had written a letter to the Haryana government on December 16 clarifying that unless Haryana submits an affidavit in the Supreme Court regarding the payment of BBMB dues, Himachal will not move forward on this project. The matter reached a decisive turn only after Haryana accepted this condition.

Key developments

• Himachal CM welcomed Supreme Court's stance on BBMB dues
• State expects revenue of Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000 crore in next 20 years, per Sukhu
• Matter resolved after Haryana submitted an affidavit in the Supreme Court