Won’t back out on state’s claim over Shanan power project: Deputy CM
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, who presided over the Himachal Day function at the historic Seri Manch in Mandi on Tuesday, said that the Shanan power project belonged to Himachal Pradesh and they won’t back out even an inch on the matter.
He said, “The agreement made during the British rule for 99 years had expired in March 2024. Mandi was never a part of Punjab. Therefore, this is not a matter of asset division under the Punjab Reorganisation Act.”
Agnihotri said that it was for the first time that the state government led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh had taken the issue to the Supreme Court, firmly asserting Himachal’s claim over the project. He added that the apex court had already dismissed the Haryana Government’s plea on the issue.
The Deputy Chief Minister urged the Punjab Government to return the project voluntarily, especially if it considered itself an ‘elder brother’ in a federal family.
Agnihotri said that the state government, which was formed on December 11, 2022, was resolutely working to fulfil promises made to people. Efforts were being made to stabilise the state’s economy and usher in a new era of public welfare, he added.
He said, “In a major push towards sustainable development, the state will induct 600 new buses, including 350 electric one, into its fleet of public transport this year. All formalities for the procurement of buses are being completed. Around 350 conductors have been given permanent appointments and those who have completed two-year contractual service have also been regularised.”
He added, “Further supporting the green transition, the government will provide 40 per cent subsidy on the purchase of electric vehicles under its new policy, making EV adoption more accessible to the public.”
Agnihotri announced that the development of the Shiv Dham project in Mandi would be accelerated at a cost of Rs 100 crore, along with a similar provision for the Jwalamukhi and Naina Devi temple complexes. Besides, pending projects worth Rs 53 crore for the Chintpurni temple had received approval from the Central Government.
“To boost religious and adventure tourism, ropeway projects are underway. The Baglamukhi Temple ropeway in Mandi has been completed and dedicated to the public. The state is also constructing India’s longest ropeway in Shimla, with a cost of Rs 1,800 crore, and work is progressing on connecting Bijli Mahadev in Kullu and other religious sites with ropeways,” he said.
Agnihotri urged the Centre to provide funds for the Mandi airport project under the greenfield category with 100 per cent grants. He said that the Gaggal airport in Kangra was already undergoing expansion and the aim of the state government was to develop new tourist destinations at an estimated cost of Rs 2,400 crore.
“To address water quality concerns and prevent diseases such as cancer, the state government will launch a Rs 200 crore clean water purification scheme. In Mandi district alone, water supply projects worth Rs 343 crore are being implemented under the ADB and NDB funding,” said Agnihotri. The Deputy Chief Minister felicitated schoolchildren, who presented vibrant cultural performances.
Himachal Tribune