Himachal CM Sukhu Links Kishau Project Progress to Settlement of BBMB Arrears

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) : In a firm stance aimed at securing the state’s financial rights, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has declared that his government will only advance the Kishau Multipurpose Project once Haryana clears its outstanding share of the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) arrears.

During a recent discussion with Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, the Chief Minister emphasized that it is unreasonable for Himachal Pradesh to cooperate on new ventures while its legitimate statutory claims remain unresolved.  

The dispute centers on a nearly 15-year-old Supreme Court recognition of Himachal’s 7.19% entitlement in BBMB projects. According to the state government, Himachal has been deprived of its rightful share of 13,066 million units of electricity and related financial benefits for over a decade.

The state is currently pursuing legal and administrative measures to recover approximately ₹4,200 crore in pending dues.  CM Sukhu’s ultimatum requires the Haryana government to provide explicit consent regarding these arrears and formally submit an affidavit to this effect before the Supreme Court.

This move follows what the state describes as a "major victory" in restructuring the Kishau project agreement. After rejecting an unfavorable 2023 deal that would have burdened the state with high generation costs, the government secured a revised arrangement expected to yield ₹600 crore in annual revenue with zero financial investment.  

While Union Minister Khattar has assured the Chief Minister that he will take up the matter with the leadership of Punjab and Haryana, the Sukhu administration remains steadfast. By tethering the Kishau project’s progress to the settlement of long-standing BBMB liabilities, Himachal Pradesh is escalating pressure on both the Centre and neighboring states to address its decade-long fiscal grievances.