Following a significant legal victory concerning the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) power-sharing dispute, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has now set his sights on another critical hydroelectric asset: the historic Shanan Hydroelectric Power House located in Joginder Nagar.
The Chenab Times has learned that the state government intends to vigorously pursue its claim over the Shanan project, arguing that its ownership and control should have reverted to Himachal Pradesh upon the expiry of a 99-year lease agreement in March 2024. This move marks the next significant challenge for the Chief Minister in asserting the state’s rights over its hydroelectric resources.
Shanan Project’s Lease Expiry Fuels Himachal’s Claim
The Shanan Hydroelectric Power House, commissioned in 1925 during the British colonial era, was established under a lease agreement between the ruler of Mandi State, Raja Joginder Sen, and British engineer Colonel BC Batty. The lease’s expiration in March 2024 has ignited a legal and political battle between Himachal Pradesh and Punjab. While Himachal Pradesh asserts that the project should now belong to the state, Punjab has contested this, approaching the Supreme Court to stake its claim.
Chief Minister Sukhu has publicly stated his government’s commitment to fighting for what it considers Himachal Pradesh’s rightful ownership of the project. He has also voiced concerns regarding the current state of the power house, citing alleged neglect of its heritage buildings, infrastructure, and unique haulage system due to inadequate maintenance. This concern for preservation adds another layer to the state’s multifaceted claim.
BBMB Verdict Boosts Himachal’s Stance
The timing of this renewed focus on the Shanan project comes on the heels of a Supreme Court verdict delivered on November 6, which resolved a decades-old power-sharing dispute related to the BBMB. The apex court directed the supply of approximately 11,973 million units of electricity to Himachal Pradesh over the next two decades. This favourable outcome for the state has been seen as a major endorsement of its long-standing demand for a fair share of power generated from projects situated within its territories, such as the Bhakra-Nangal and Beas projects.
The successful resolution of the BBMB dispute has reportedly emboldened the Himachal Pradesh government to pursue the Shanan project with renewed vigour. Information available with The Chenab Times indicates that the state government views the Shanan project not just as a revenue-generating asset but also as a crucial part of the region’s engineering and industrial heritage. A favorable outcome in this dispute could significantly bolster Himachal Pradesh’s control over vital hydroelectric assets and lead to the conservation of a unique historical landmark.
Historical Significance and Political Undertones
The issue of the Shanan project’s ownership was first brought to the forefront in 1990 by former Chief Minister Shanta Kumar. He has previously highlighted the project’s importance as more than just an electricity producer, emphasizing its role as a testament to the region’s historical engineering prowess. The century-old facility, with its distinctive mountain railway and haulage infrastructure, represents a significant chapter in the history of hydroelectric development in the western Himalayas. Mr. Kumar has also alleged that Himachal Pradesh was unfairly denied rightful ownership during state reorganisation processes in 1996.
The current dispute over the Shanan power house is expected to be a significant political test for Chief Minister Sukhu. A positive legal outcome would not only solidify Himachal Pradesh’s position regarding its hydroelectric assets but also pave the way for the much-needed restoration and preservation of one of the state’s most iconic engineering achievements. The legal proceedings are anticipated to involve complex arguments concerning state rights, historical agreements, and the interpretation of reorganizational acts governing inter-state resource sharing.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
