Himachal to earn Rs 1,000 crore annually after SC verdict in BBMB case: CM Sukhu

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday said the Supreme Court had delivered a favourable verdict for the state in its 15-year-old arrears dispute with the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), potentially opening the way for additional annual revenue of Rs 500 crore to Rs 1,000 crore.

Addressing a gathering at Mehla in Chamba, Sukhu said Himachal Pradesh would receive 55 crore units of electricity, which BBMB would have to provide over the next 20 years.

He said that if the electricity was sold at Rs 6 per unit, the state could earn around Rs 500 crore annually. If power purchase agreements were signed with other states at Rs 15.50 per unit, on the lines of Rajasthan, the annual revenue could reach approximately Rs 1,000 crore.

The Chief Minister described the verdict as a victory for the people of Himachal Pradesh and said his government had secured four victories in battles concerning the state’s rights during its four-year tenure.

He cited the Wildflower Hall, JSW and Kishau Dam matters as other cases in which the state government had pursued its claims. Sukhu thanked members of the state Cabinet, officials and lawyers who represented Himachal Pradesh in the Supreme Court in the BBMB case.

Taking aim at the BJP, Sukhu questioned why the previous double-engine government had not pursued the state’s claims. He alleged that the BJP had failed to protect Himachal Pradesh’s interests and remained focused on political activities instead of raising issues concerning the state.

“We have won every battle we have fought. These were battles for Himachal’s interests, not personal gains,” he said.

Sukhu said the government’s efforts were not over, as the issues of water cess and Himachal Pradesh’s rights in Chandigarh were still pending.

Despite the discontinuation of Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG), he expressed confidence that Himachal Pradesh would become India’s wealthiest and most prosperous state by 2032.

He added that the government was working to ensure people received their rightful benefits through new initiatives in roads, education, healthcare and the rural economy.