HP seeks its share from Punjab, Haryana

Shimla, Aug 23 (UNI) The Himachal Pradesh Assembly today passed a unanimous resolution urging Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to impress upon both Haryana and Punjab to release their share of land in Chandigarh including hydel projects.

Initiating the debate on the issue under Rule 117, Irrigation and Public Health Minister Kaul Singh Thakur criticised Punjab and Haryana for not releasing the state's share after the states' re-organisation in 1966.

He urged the state's share of 7.19 per cent in Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) and 12 per cent free electricity in various hydel projects to be released immediately.

''Besides, Punjab should also hand over the Shanan hydel power project in the state to Himachal Pradesh,'' he said, adding it was only demanding its due share and not seeking alms.

Mr Thakur said Punjab was giving step-motherly treatment to the state, by not providing its 7.19 per cent share in the BBMB project that was decided on the basis of the state's population after the re-organisation of the states' in 1966.

Accusing Punjab of not releasing Himachal Pradesh's share in the Pong Dam, he said it was also continuing to hold the Shanan hydel project, violating its earlier promise on the issue.

The Minister termed Haryana and Punjab's opposition to the Central package to the state as ''unfortunate'', saying the package had been extended for another three years despite their opposition.

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