Himachal should get 7.19% share in Chandigarh: Sukhu

Himachal Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria met in Chandigarh on June 26, 2026 to resolve issues related to the rights of the hill state. Photo: Special arrangement

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday (June 26, 2026) urged Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria to help resolve issues related to the hill state’s rights and reiterated Himachal Pradesh’s claim to a 7.19% share in the Union Territory of Chandigarh.

Mr. Sukhu met Mr. Kataria here and discussed several long pending issues of vital importance to Himachal Pradesh.

Referring to the provisions of the Punjab Reorganization Act, 1966, the Chief Minister said that Himachal Pradesh was the successor state of the erstwhile Punjab and was entitled to its due share based on the population ratio of the areas transferred to the state.

“Chandigarh was developed from the consolidated resources of undivided Punjab and that while Punjab and Haryana have benefited from the city’s land, property and governance structure for over five decades, Himachal Pradesh has yet to get its rightful share. Himachal will be given its 7.19% share in Chandigarh,” he said.

The Chief Minister also sought Mr. Kataria’s intervention in settling long-pending dues related to the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB).

“The Supreme Court recognized Himachal Pradesh’s claim for 7.19% share in BBMB projects and related benefits. The state has been waiting for realization of its claim for 13,066 million units of power and related financial charges for more than a decade,” he noted.

Mr. Sukhu also sought help in ensuring the return of the Shanan Hydroelectric Project from Punjab.

“The Shanan Hydroelectric Project is situated in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh, a region which was never included in the devolved territories as defined in section 2(n) of the Punjab Reorganization Act, 1966. Consequently, the provisions of the said Act do not apply to the area in which the project is situated, nor can any rights be derived for the duration of the project for the duration of the Shanan9 Project. Expired on 2 March 2024,” he said.

“Upon the expiry of the lease agreement, all rights arising from it shall cease. Any claim to continue the operation, management or possession of the project based on the expired lease agreement lacks legal basis and is unsustainable in law,” he added, expressing his belief that all outstanding issues can be resolved through constructive dialogue, mutual respect and the spirit of cooperative federalism.

Published – 26 Jun 2026 19:56 IST