Face2News/Shimla /Faridabad

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has reiterated the state's rightful claim to a 7.19% share in Chandigarh’s land and assets as mandated under the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966. He cited the 2011 Supreme Court ruling that upheld Himachal’s equitable stake based on population ratio and its corresponding share in the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) power output.

Addressing the 32nd meeting of the Northern Zonal Council (NZCC) in Faridabad, chaired by Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah, the Chief Minister demanded the immediate release of pending dues from BBMB and the appointment of a permanent member from Himachal on the Board. He urged implementation of the policy granting 12% free electricity royalty from central hydropower projects and sought an increase to 50% royalty for projects whose costs have already been recovered.

Sukhu pressed for the inclusion of these matters in the agenda of the next NZCC meeting, and called for the transfer of all hydropower projects that have completed 40 years of operation to the state. He also demanded full central funding for the electrical components of the Kishau and Renuka dam projects, along with an equal (50–50) distribution of generated power between Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

Highlighting the increasing vulnerability of hill states to climate-induced disasters, the Chief Minister urged the Centre to review disaster relief norms and introduce necessary reforms for both pre-disaster and post-disaster management. He stressed the need for an integrated and sustainable development framework for North India to help protect mountain economies and minimise human loss.

Emphasising the state’s strategic location and tourism potential, Sukhu called for the expansion of Himachal’s air network. He said the state is working to upgrade the Kangra Airport to international standards and requested central assistance for land acquisition, full project financing, and the preparation of a separate master plan for small airports and heliports.

The Chief Minister proposed setting up a High-Altitude Research Centre, an ice hockey stadium, an adventure sports centre, and other facilities in border and high-altitude regions to aid local communities and boost tourism. He also urged the Centre to initiate the National Buddhist Institute project in Spiti and reiterated the state’s appeal to start the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Shipki-La.

On the issue of drug trafficking, Sukhu said Himachal Pradesh is pursuing a multi-dimensional campaign combining strict law enforcement with widespread awareness and rehabilitation initiatives. A three-month campaign has been launched to combat the spread of substances like “chitta,” he said, adding that the state follows a zero-tolerance policy toward offences under the POCSO Act.

He sought swift resolution of Himachal–Ladakh boundary disputes in the Sarchu and Shinkula areas and requested upgradation of the Environment Ministry’s regional office in Shimla. He also asked for expedited approvals under the Forest Conservation Act and advocated allowing one bigha of forest land for housing disaster-affected families, noting that most non-private land in the state is classified as forest land.

Sukhu said the state, despite financial constraints, has provided special relief packages to disaster victims but is still awaiting nearly ₹10,000 crore under the Post-Disaster Needs Assessment and the ₹1,500 crore relief package announced by the Prime Minister. He urged the Centre to release the entire amount at the earliest.

The Chief Minister also demanded the formation of a special task force to address the state’s ₹9,478 crore revenue deficit for the fiscal year 2023–24, beyond the GST compensation regime. He reaffirmed Himachal’s commitment to becoming a “Green State” and highlighted the region’s importance in ensuring environmental protection and freshwater availability for North India.

The meeting was attended by Chief Ministers, Lieutenant Governors, and senior officials from northern states and Union Territories.