BBMB verdict could earn Himachal up to Rs 20,000 crore: CM Sukhu

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday described the Supreme Court’s decision on Himachal Pradesh’s share of electricity from the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) as a significant achievement for the state, estimating that it could generate Rs 15,000-20,000 crore over the next 15-20 years.

The Chief Minister received a warm welcome from Congress workers on his arrival in Shimla following the development. Party workers greeted him with flowers and garlands and celebrated the decision by lifting him onto their shoulders.

Addressing the media, Sukhu credited his government’s firm stand and sustained efforts for the breakthrough. He questioned the delay in implementing the earlier court decision, saying Himachal Pradesh had been unable to secure its rightful share for nearly 15 years despite a favourable ruling.

He attributed the delay to a lack of political will and said the issue could have remained unresolved for another 20 years had his government not pursued it firmly.

Explaining the role of the Kishau Dam agreement in the development, Sukhu said he had sent a letter on December 16, making it clear that Himachal Pradesh would proceed with the agreement only if the Haryana government filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court supporting the state’s claim over the pending BBMB arrears.

He said the state had also expected the Centre to facilitate Haryana’s cooperation in the matter. According to the Chief Minister, the condition was linked to protecting Himachal Pradesh’s interests and eventually helped move the issue forward.

Sukhu said the electricity received from BBMB could strengthen the state’s financial position. He estimated that selling the power at Rs 6 per unit could generate around Rs 500 crore annually, while securing an average rate of approximately Rs 10 per unit could increase the revenue to over Rs 1,000 crore.

Citing previous power agreements, he said Himachal Pradesh had sold electricity to Tamil Nadu at Rs 13.50 per unit, Kerala at Rs 14.50 and Rajasthan at Rs 15.50 per unit. He said the government would seek favourable terms to maximise returns from its BBMB share.

Referring to the allocation of 11,973 million units of electricity, the Chief Minister estimated that the state could earn Rs 15,000-20,000 crore over the next 15-20 years, depending on the price realised. He said the additional revenue would strengthen the state’s finances, accelerate development works and ultimately benefit its population of around 75 lakh.

Responding to political questions, Sukhu avoided targeting the Opposition on the occasion of Diwali and extended festive greetings to BJP leaders. He congratulated the people of Himachal Pradesh, saying the achievement belonged to the entire state rather than any individual.