Wildflower Hall ownership brings ₹450 crore revenue
Subhash Mahajan
Chamba
Deputy Chief Whip of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly, Kewal Singh Pathania, today highlighted several landmark decisions of the state government during a press conference, stressing that under the leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Himachal Pradesh is safeguarding its rights, strengthening financial resources, and accelerating development.
Calling the Kishau Dam agreement a “decisive and historic step,” Pathania said the project will bring substantial economic benefits to the state. As per the agreement, Himachal Pradesh will receive 211 MW of power from the dam without bearing the massive production costs, which will instead be covered by the water-utilizing states. He noted that earlier estimates projected ₹600 crore in annual revenue, but current calculations suggest the state could earn nearly ₹1,200 crore annually once the project is completed.
On the Wildflower Hall issue, Pathania revealed that the hotel had been leased for just ₹1 for 23 years. With the lease now cancelled, the state has regained ownership, securing ₹450 crore in revenue and ensuring an annual income of around ₹20 crore. He termed this a crucial step in protecting state resources and strengthening the economy for the benefit of 7.5 million Himachalis.
Pathania also addressed pending dues from the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), stating that efforts are underway to recover ₹7,200 crore owed to Himachal Pradesh. He expressed optimism about positive developments in this regard.
Regarding the Shanan and Bairasul projects, he emphasized that their 40-year lease period has expired and decisions must be taken to restore Himachal’s rights. He called for the Shanan project to be handed over to the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board and highlighted the historic importance of Bairasul as one of India’s earliest hydroelectric projects.
He criticized the discontinuation of the revenue deficit grant of ₹8,000–10,000 crore from the Finance Commission since 1952, but assured that the state government is working tirelessly to overcome financial challenges and move toward self-reliance.
Pathania also raised concerns about environmental damage caused by the Chamera hydro projects, stressing that Chamba district deserves a fair share of benefits and priority in development. He reiterated the need for environmental conservation and equitable resource distribution.
On transport, he praised the Chief Minister’s initiative to introduce 1,000 electric buses despite geographical challenges, saying the move will boost Himachal Road Transport Corporation’s revenue while promoting eco-friendly mobility.
Concluding, Pathania said all decisive and farsighted measures taken by the government are aimed at protecting state rights, strengthening finances, promoting environmental sustainability, and driving Himachal Pradesh toward self-reliance.
The press conference was attended by Sadar MLA Neeraj Nayyar, District Congress Committee President Surjeet Bharmauri, State Haj Committee Chairman Dildar Ali Batt, and Block Congress Committee President Om Prakash.
