Himachal Pradesh Fights to Reclaim Shanan Hydropower Project

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has announced that the state is preparing a strong legal case to reclaim the 110-MW Shanan Hydropower Project from Punjab. The project, built under a 99-year lease that expired in March 2023, was originally commissioned in 1932 during the British era.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu stated on Thursday that the Himachal Pradesh government is preparing a robust legal case to reclaim the Shanan Hydropower Project from Punjab, which currently holds it under a 99-year lease.

The 110-MW Shanan Hydropower Project, which was commissioned in 1932, operates under a lease agreement signed in 1925 between Joginder Sen, the ruler of the then Mandi state, and British engineer B C Batty.

During the reorganisation of states in November 1966, the project, which is situated in the Mandi district, was handed over to Punjab as per the lease terms, which expired on March 2, 2023.

Presiding over a meeting with senior state officials, Chief Minister Sukhu directed them to present a compelling case before the Supreme Court to reclaim the project.

Sukhu emphasized that the Himachal Pradesh government is determined to regain the rights over the hydropower project for the benefit of the state's residents.

In a formal statement, Sukhu reiterated that since the project's lease period has ended and it falls within Himachal Pradesh territory, it is now time for Punjab to return the project without delay.

The state government is resolute in ensuring that the advantages of the project serve Himachal Pradesh's people. Legal steps are being prepared to reclaim the project, the Chief Minister reaffirmed.

(With inputs from agencies.)