Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Fights for Shanan Hydroelectric Project
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu held a high-level meeting with senior state government officials to discuss the ongoing dispute over the 99-year lease of the Shanan Hydroelectric Project with Punjab.
Background
The Shanan Power House, located in Jogindernagar, Himachal Pradesh, was leased in 1925 between Raja Joginder Sen, the ruler of the then Mandi state, and Colonel BC Batty, a British representative. The lease ended on March 2, 2024, and Himachal Pradesh now seeks control over the project.
Current Situation
Although Punjab has relinquished ownership, it has not returned control to Himachal Pradesh. The Chief Minister directed officials to present a strong case in the Supreme Court, emphasizing the state’s determination to reclaim the project for the benefit of its people.
Legal Proceedings
Punjab has moved the Supreme Court, asserting ownership based on a 1967 central notification. The Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd (PSPCL) currently controls the project’s assets. The central government has ordered that the status quo be maintained while legal proceedings continue.
Meeting Attendees
Key attendees included Principal Advisor to Chief Minister Ram Subhag Singh, Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena, Advocate General Anup Rattan, Additional Chief Secretary Onkar Chand Sharma, Principal Secretary Devesh Kumar, Secretary to Chief Minister Rakesh Kanwar, and Special Secretary Arindam Choudhary.
Doubts Revealed
Himachal Pradesh -: Himachal Pradesh is a state in northern India, known for its beautiful mountains and valleys.
CM -: CM stands for Chief Minister, who is the head of the government in an Indian state.
Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu -: Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is the current Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh.
Shanan Hydroelectric Project -: The Shanan Hydroelectric Project is a big power plant that uses water to create electricity. It is located in Himachal Pradesh.
99-year lease -: A 99-year lease means that someone has the right to use a property for 99 years. After that, the property usually goes back to the original owner.
1925 -: The year 1925 is when the lease for the Shanan Hydroelectric Project started.
March 2024 -: March 2024 is when the 99-year lease for the Shanan Hydroelectric Project will end.
Punjab -: Punjab is another state in northern India, next to Himachal Pradesh.
1967 central notification -: A 1967 central notification is a rule or order made by the central government of India in the year 1967.
Supreme Court -: The Supreme Court is the highest court in India. It makes the final decisions on important legal matters.
