HP seeks its share from Punjab, Haryana on hydel projects

Shimla, Aug 23 (UNI) The Himachal Pradesh Assembly today unanimously adopted a resolution urging Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to help the state in getting its share in Bhakra Nangal, Pong Dam and Beas Projects, besides getting its share from Punjab and Haryana under the Re-organisation Act of 1966.

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 demanded that 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 should be released to it immediately.

Besides, Punjab should also hand over the Shanan hydel power project in the state to Himachal, he said, adding that 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 state's population after the re-organisation of the states' in 1966.

Accusing Punjab of not releasing Himachal'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.

He also demanded 7.19 per cent share in Chandigarh.

The IPH Minister termed the 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.

Himachal approached the Supreme Court in 1998 due to the adamant attitude of its neighbouring states, he said, adding that despite the best efforts of former state chief minister P K Dhumal to resolve the issue outside the court, no solution was arrived at.

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