Punjab operated Shanan project for 100 years, now ‘chhota bhai’ Himachal’s turn: Sukhu
CM visits disputed project in Jogindernagar
MANDI:Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday called for the transfer of the historic Shanan power project, located at Jogindernagar in Mandi, to the state of Himachal Pradesh after more than a century of Punjab’s operation.
The 110-MW Shanan Power House, which has been under Punjab’s control, is now being claimed by Himachal as its rightful asset.
During his visit to the Shanan Power House, the Chief Minister inspected various sections of the facility, including the turbine, alternator, exciter and control room, while obtaining detailed information about the power generation process from the officials. He also observed the historic trolley system used to bring water from Barot to the power station.
Hope hinges on expiry of lease
In an informal conversation with the media, CM Sukhu explained that his visit aimed to assess the current status of the project, which is still being operated by the Punjab government despite the expiry of its lease. “The lease period for this project in favour of Punjab has expired and it is now time for Punjab to hand over the project to Himachal Pradesh, its ‘chhota bhai’ (younger brother). Himachal has a rightful claim over it,” he stated.
The Chief Minister further clarified that the Shanan project did not fall under the Punjab Reorganisation Act. While an appeal regarding the project has been filed by the Punjab government in the Supreme Court, CM Sukhu expressed confidence that the Supreme Court’s decision would be accepted by all parties involved.
Official correspondence exchanged with Punjab
The CM added that talks were ongoing with the Punjab government and official correspondence had been exchanged regarding the handover of the project.
Several prominent officials accompanied the Chief Minister on this occasion, including Shanan project’s Superintending Engineer Rajesh Kumar, Executive Engineer Satish Kumar, Uhal Project Phase-3 Managing Director
Devendra Singh, Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan and Superintendent of Police Sakshi Verma. Also present were Congress state secretary Jeevan Thakur, Congress district president Pawan Thakur and other local leaders and department officials.
Project built on Beas tributary Uhl
The Shanan Power Project, a 110-MW hydropower facility, is located in Jogindernagar on the Uhl river, a tributary of the Beas river. This project has been a subject of historical significance and legal contention for decades, especially after India’s partition and the reorganization of states.
Historical Background of the Dispute
In 1925, during the British colonial period, the Punjab government was granted a 100-year lease for the operation of the Shanan Power Project by Raja Joginder Bahadur, the then ruler of Mandi. Col BC Batty, representing the British government as the Chief Engineer of Punjab, signed the lease agreement on behalf of Punjab.
Before India gained independence, the project supplied power to the undivided Punjab and Delhi. Post-partition, the supply to Lahore was discontinued, and transmission ended at Verka village in Amritsar.
When states were reorganized in 1966, the project was officially transferred to Punjab, as Himachal Pradesh had not yet attained full statehood and was designated a Union Territory. Punjab retained legal control over the project under a central notification issued by the Union Ministry of Irrigation and Power on May 1, 1967.
Himachal’s claims over Shanan project
Himachal Pradesh has consistently argued that while the 1925 lease granted operational rights to Punjab, it did not convey ownership of the project. The Himachal Pradesh government maintains that the state had both ownership and operational rights before the lease, which was merely a temporary arrangement.
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In recent years, Himachal Pradesh has voiced concerns over the condition of the project, alleging that Punjab has neglected maintenance, leading to deterioration. The Himachal government has communicated its stance that once the lease ended, the project should revert to Himachal’s control. Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukkhu has previously raised this issue with the Union Ministry of Power and his Punjab counterpart.
Punjab’s counterclaims
Punjab, on the other hand, has taken legal steps to retain control. The Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd (PSPCL) currently operates the project, and the Punjab government claims rightful ownership under the 1967 notification.
Punjab has filed a petition in the Supreme Court, seeking a permanent prohibitory injunction under Article 131 of the Indian Constitution to prevent Himachal Pradesh from interfering with its “lawful possession” and the smooth functioning of the project.
Central government’s status quo order
In a significant move, the Central government stepped in just a day before the 99-year lease expired, issuing a directive to maintain the status quo on the project. The Ministry of Power invoked provisions of the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966, to ensure the continuous operation of the Shanan Power Project while the legal dispute is being resolved.
The case now hinges on the Supreme Court’s decision, which will determine the future ownership and control of this historically significant power project.
As both Punjab and Himachal Pradesh continue their legal battle, the future of the Shanan Power Project remains uncertain. For Himachal Pradesh, regaining control over the project is a matter of historical and economic significance, while Punjab seeks to maintain its operational hold. The central government’s interim measures ensure that the project continues to operate as both states await a final ruling.
