· Decision expected to generate additional annual revenue of Rs. 400 to 500 crore, 60 crore units of electricity annually for 20 years
Public Works and Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh, while addressing a press conference today, said that the Supreme Court’s historic verdict on Himachal Pradesh’s 7.19 percent share in the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) is a major victory for the state’s rights. The decision brings a decisive conclusion to a nearly four-decade-long legal battle and is expected to provide an additional economic benefit of approximately Rs. 400 to 500 crore annually to the state.
He said that the legal struggle began in 1996 under the leadership of former Chief Minister Late Virbhadra Singh, who initiated proceedings under the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966, with the support and guidance of the then Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao and Sonia Gandhi. The Supreme Court had recognised Himachal Pradesh’s entitlement in 2011, but the actual determination of its share and calculation of pending energy benefits remained unresolved. As per the latest verdict, the state will receive 60 crore units of electricity annually for 20 years. He credited the present government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, for pursuing the matter and achieving this decisive success.
Vikramaditya Singh, said that projects such as Bhakra-Nangal, Pong Dam and other projects on the Beas River had led to the displacement of people from Bilaspur and other areas. Many families were rehabilitated in Rajasthan and Haryana, but several of their rights and demands remain pending. The government will continue to pursue their legitimate claims through legal and administrative measures. He also reiterated the government’s commitment to pursuing Himachal Pradesh’s share in Chandigarh and other pending inter-state issues, besides safeguarding the state’s rights over water, forests and land. Congratulating the approximately 75 lakh people of the state, he said the verdict would strengthen the state’s economic interests for generations to come.
Highlighting the progress of development works, Vikramaditya Singh said that the state has set a target of constructing 800 kilometres of roads, of which approximately 50 to 60 percent has been achieved. A detailed progress report covering every Assembly constituency and Public Works Department division will be presented during the Assembly session to ensure transparency and accountability. He said that the availability of construction materials, particularly bitumen, remains an important challenge. Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has written to Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, seeking adequate supplies to meet the state’s requirements.
He said that special priority is being given to road construction in remote and snowfall-prone areas, including Rampur, Ani, the higher reaches of Kullu and Bharmour. During the last four years, development works worth approximately Rs. 10,000 crore have been undertaken through the Public Works and Urban Development Departments.
PWD Minister further informed that Himachal Pradesh is expected to receive additional approval of approximately Rs. 3,000 crore under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), Phase-IV, paving the way for the construction of nearly 1,700 kilometres of new roads. Departmental formalities have been completed, and the government aims to initiate the tendering process in March 2027, immediately after receiving approval.
Vikramaditya Singh said that the state government is committed to ensure the balanced development, transparency and optimum utilisation of available resources. He said that shortcomings in ongoing projects would be reviewed and necessary corrective measures taken to ensure that the benefits of development reach every region of Himachal Pradesh.
