CM Sukhu Urges Punjab, Haryana to Settle Disputes and Support Himachal's Interests

Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, September 15, 2025:  Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today appealed to the neighboring states of Punjab and Haryana to act as "elder brothers" and resolve long-standing disputes over shared resources. Speaking at a national cooperative conference in Shimla, the Chief Minister highlighted the issues of the Shanan hydroelectric project and the delayed arrears from the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB). He stated that despite the expiry of the Shanan project’s lease to Punjab, it had not been returned to Himachal Pradesh, and that arrears owed to the state from BBMB had been held up due to obstructions from Punjab and Haryana. "Punjab and Haryana are our elder brothers, and they should extend support generously to their younger brother," the Chief Minister emphasized. The Chief Minister's comments come at a critical time for Himachal Pradesh, which is not only grappling with the aftermath of severe natural disasters but is also under intense scrutiny from the judiciary regarding its environmental policies. The Supreme Court is scheduled to pass an order on September 23 in a suo motu matter concerning the "ecological imbalance" and environmental conditions in the state. The court has previously warned that the state could "vanish in thin air" if it does not take immediate and effective measures to address unscientific development, deforestation, and the effects of climate change. In a related development, the Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board (HPSPCB) has imposed a hefty fine of nearly ₹3 crore on 12 government-run sewage treatment plants for polluting rivers and streams. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has been actively monitoring the situation and has directed the board to ensure the swift recovery of the environmental compensation and submit a report on the current performance of the polluting plants. These legal and political developments underscore the pressing challenges the state faces in balancing its development goals with the urgent need for environmental protection and inter-state cooperation.