HP seeks Haryana’s support to strengthen its claim for Bhakra Beas board membership
states Himachal Pradesh and Haryana have agreed to fast track development projects of mutual interest. Himachal Pradesh, once again, pursued its demand for giving permanent membership to the state in Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB).
Himachal has 7.19% share in the projects managed by BBMB. HP pressed for permanent membership in the BBMB along with partner states Punjab and Haryana at a high level meeting between chief secretaries of Haryana Deepinder Singh Deshi and chief secretary of Himachal Pradesh Vineet Chawdhary.
The board was constituted in 1966 for irrigation and electricity projects managed by the BBMB.
The board regulates the water supply of Sutlej, Ravi and Beas rivers to Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi and Chandigarh. It also distributes power from Bhakra Nangal and Beas projects among states. Earlier, the HP government had asked the ministry of home to incorporate the state as a member in BBMB.
The state is also insisting the central government to amend Punjab re-organisation Act 1966, if required, to give Himachal the BBMB membership. The two counterparts also discussed the pending arrears of Himachal in the BBMB projects.
In 1998, Himachal had moved Supreme Court to get its share in power in BBMB projects. Under the Punjab Re-organisation Act 1966, Himachal Pradesh has 7.19 % share in projects managed by the BBMB.
The BBMB has five power projects in Himachal, Shanan, Dehar, Pong Dam and Bhakra and Nangal Dam.
The apex court granted relief to Himachal Pradesh in 2011 allowing the share in accordance with the Punjab Re-organisation Act. Himachal Pradesh had then calculated the total arrears up to ₹4,250 crore.
The Centre later cut it down to ₹3,400 crore. Himachal Pradesh disputed reduction in the arrears and termed it as an arbitrary action on part of the Centre and is asking Haryna and Punjab to pay its arrears.
Himachal and Haryana government also discussed in detail about the proposed dam at Asi Badri in Shivalik.
In 2014, the BJP government in Haryana announced to set up Ashi Badri Heritage board to revive the sacred river as scientific studies reveal that the mythological river is still flowing underground.
Haryna government has proposed to build a dam that would be spread over 400 acres of land. Off the total land that will be submerged, 77 acres lies in Himachal.
The hill state is demanding compensation from Haryana for the infrastructures on the 77 acres of land even as there is no human habitation.
Both the governments decided to fast track the land acquisition for the 33.2 kilometres rail link for Himachal industrial hub Bassi.