No Kishau Project Deal Until BBMB Dues Issue Is Resolved, Says CM Sukhu
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has drawn a firm line on the proposed 422 MW Kishau multipurpose project, stating that the state will not sign any Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) until neighbouring states commit to clearing their share of the BBMB arrears owed to Himachal Pradesh.
The Chief Minister said the state government has linked its participation in the ambitious project to the resolution of the long-pending financial dues issue, which Himachal Pradesh has been pursuing for years.
State Seeks Assurance on Pending Dues
According to Sukhu, the neighbouring states must file affidavits before the Supreme Court clearly stating their commitment to paying their share of the outstanding Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) arrears. Only after receiving this assurance will Himachal Pradesh consider moving forward with the Kishau project.
He emphasized that the state cannot ignore its existing financial claims while entering into major inter-state agreements involving water and power resources.
Previous Agreement Rejected
The Chief Minister also revealed that the present Congress government had rejected an agreement signed by the previous BJP government regarding the Kishau project.
According to Sukhu, the earlier arrangement would have required Himachal Pradesh to bear a substantial portion of the power generation costs, placing a significant financial burden on the state.
The government opposed this model and pushed for a revised framework that better protects Himachal Pradesh’s interests.
₹600 Crore Annual Revenue Expected
Sukhu said the state’s efforts have resulted in a more advantageous financial arrangement. Under the revised proposal, Himachal Pradesh is expected to receive nearly ₹600 crore annually from the project without making any financial investment.
He described this as a major shift from the earlier model and said it would ensure long-term benefits for the state without burdening the exchequer.
Kishau Project Remains Important
The Kishau multipurpose project, proposed on the Tons River along the Himachal Pradesh-Uttarakhand border, is considered a significant infrastructure venture with benefits ranging from power generation and water management to regional development.
However, the Chief Minister made it clear that while the state supports development projects, they must be implemented on terms that safeguard Himachal Pradesh’s financial interests.
State Stands Firm
Reiterating his government’s position, Sukhu said the settlement of BBMB arrears remains a priority and cannot be sidelined. He maintained that Himachal Pradesh will proceed with the Kishau project only after neighbouring states formally commit before the Supreme Court to resolving the pending dues issue.
The Chief Minister said the government’s approach is aimed at ensuring that the state’s rightful financial claims are protected while securing maximum benefits from future power and water projects.
