Yog Raj Sharma
The North News
Shimla, November 17
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has forcefully reiterated the state’s claim to a 7.19% share in Chandigarh’s land and assets, arguing that the entitlement is guaranteed under the Punjab Reorganisation Act of 1966.
Addressing the 32nd meeting of the Northern Zonal Council in Faridabad on Monday, chaired by Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah, Sukhu cited a 2011 Supreme Court judgment which held that Himachal Pradesh remains entitled to a 7.19% share in undivided Punjab’s assets based on population ratio. He said this principle also forms the basis of the state’s rightful share in electricity generated by the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB).
Sukhu urged the Centre to release pending dues owed by BBMB and appoint a full-time member from Himachal to the board in line with the court’s ruling. He also called for implementing the existing policy of granting states 12% free power royalty from centrally run hydropower projects, and increasing Himachal’s royalty to 50% in projects where costs have already been recovered.
He asked that the issue be placed on the agenda of the council’s next meeting to ensure Himachal receives its “legitimate share”. Sukhu further demanded that hydropower projects operating for more than 40 years be transferred to the state.
The chief minister sought full central funding for the power components of the under-construction Kishau and Renuka dam projects, proposing that Himachal and Uttarakhand receive equal electricity allocations once they are completed.
Highlighting the vulnerability of Himalayan states to natural disasters, Sukhu urged a review of disaster relief norms, calling for updated pre- and post-disaster management guidelines. With climate-related disasters increasing in frequency and severity, he said the entire northern region needs an integrated and sustainable development framework.
He stressed that a coordinated plan is essential to safeguard the fragile mountain economy and minimise human loss.
Sukhu also emphasised the need to expand Himachal’s air connectivity, saying the state government is working to upgrade Kangra airport into an international-standard facility. He requested central support for land acquisition costs, full project funding and a master plan for smaller airports and heliports.
Promoting border tourism, he proposed a high-altitude research centre, an ice-hockey stadium, adventure sports facilities and training centres in remote areas, and sought approval for a National Buddhist Institute in Spiti. He also asked for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra to be routed through Shipki La.
On the state’s anti-narcotics efforts, Sukhu said Himachal is pursuing a multi-pronged crackdown on drug trafficking while scaling up rehabilitation for those affected. A three-month awareness campaign has been launched to combat substances such as chitta, he added.
He also highlighted strict implementation of the POCSO Act and the state’s zero-tolerance policy towards crimes against children.
Sukhu requested the Centre’s intervention to resolve an inter-state boundary dispute between Himachal and Ladakh in Sarchu and Shinkula, and sought expedited clearance of matters linked to the Forest Conservation Act. He pressed for allowing disaster-affected families to build homes on up to one bigha of forest land for rehabilitation, noting that almost all non-private land in the state qualifies as forest land.
He said Himachal is still awaiting nearly ₹10,000 crore under the Post-Disaster Needs Assessment and ₹1,500 crore announced by the Prime Minister. He also sought a special task force to address the state’s revenue deficit of ₹9,478 crore for 2023–24 despite GST compensation.
Sukhu concluded by emphasising Himachal’s ecological importance to northern India, saying the state is working across sectors to build a green and sustainable future.
The meeting was attended by chief ministers, lieutenant governors and senior officials from northern states and Union territories.
