Urges for one Permanent Member from HP in BBMB; Emphasizes for releasing pending dues from the BBMB as per Apex court’s decision
Sourabh Sood
Shimla
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu strongly pressed Himachal Pradesh’s claim to 7.19% share in Chandigarh’s land and assets at the 32nd Northern Zonal Council (NZCC) meeting held in Faridabad under the chairmanship of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He cited the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966 and the Supreme Court’s 2011 judgment upholding the State’s entitlement.
Sukhu also sought release of pending dues from BBMB along with appointment of a permanent Himachal member in the Board. He demanded 12% free power royalty in centrally-run hydropower projects and enhancement of royalty to 50% for projects where costs have already been recovered.
Calling for a major overhaul of disaster response norms, the CM urged the Centre to review disaster relief rules and build a unified, sustainable development plan for northern hill states, citing frequent climate-driven disasters.
The Chief Minister pushed for:
Handover of hydel projects that have completed 40 years
Full central funding for Kishau and Renuka dam power components
50-50 power share between Himachal and Uttarakhand after project completion
Expansion of air connectivity, including support for the Kangra Airport expansion and development of small airports/heliports
Sukhu proposed a high-altitude research centre, ice hockey stadium, and adventure sports facilities, while urging the Centre to initiate the National Buddhist Institute in Spiti and allow the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Shipki-La.
On security issues, he highlighted the State’s intense crackdown on drug trafficking, a three-month awareness campaign against Chitta, and strict enforcement of the POCSO Act.
He sought early settlement of border disputes with Ladakh in Sarchu and Shinkula, upgrade of the MOEFCC sub-office in Shimla, and quick forest clearances. He reiterated the demand for permission to use one bigha of forest land for houses of disaster-hit families.
Sukhu reminded the Centre of the State’s pending dues—₹10,000 crore under PDNA, ₹1,500 crore PM package, and compensation for ₹9,478 crore revenue deficit post-GST. He emphasized that protecting Himachal and the Himalayas is crucial for North India’s ecology and water security.
