Tough Stance on Kishau Dam Project Led to Victory in BBMB Dues Case: Sukhu, Pg9

Key Highlights:

• The Supreme Court ruled in favor of Himachal Pradesh in the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) arrears case.
• Himachal Pradesh will receive 11,973 MU of electricity from Punjab and Haryana over 20 years, based on a 2011 Supreme Court verdict.
• The verdict settled power dues from Bhakra Nangal and Beas hydro projects since 1966 at a rate of 7.19%.
• Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu attributed the victory to the state's firm stance during discussions on the Kishau Dam project.

Detailed Insights:

• The arrears case, which had been pending for 15 years, was vigorously pursued by the Himachal Pradesh government in the Supreme Court.
• Himachal Pradesh had refused to share the cost of the 440-MW Kishau Dam project, leading to an assurance from the Haryana government to file an affidavit in the Supreme Court in HP's favor for the release of arrears.
• The state government is exploring options to sell the received electricity at a better price, aiming to increase revenue from approximately ₹500 crore to ₹1,000 crore.
• The Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) is a statutory body responsible for the administration, maintenance, and operation of the Bhakra Nangal and Beas projects.
• The Kishau Dam project is a multi-purpose project on the Tons River, a tributary of the Yamuna, aimed at power generation and water supply.
• The Chief Minister expressed confidence in making Himachal Pradesh self-reliant and the most prosperous state by 2032.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB): A statutory body managing the Bhakra Nangal and Beas projects, crucial for water and power distribution in the northern states.
• Kishau Dam Project: A proposed multi-purpose dam on the Tons River, intended for hydropower generation and water storage for irrigation and drinking.
• Inter-state Water Disputes: Constitutional mechanism for resolving conflicts between states over the sharing and control of river waters.