Virbhadra writes to PM over Himachal's share in BBMB projects

In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister, HPCC president Virbhadra Singh said the High Powered Committee headed by Joint Secretary (Hydropower) has conveyed to the state government that the amount of Rs 4,250 crore due as compensation to Himachal has been reduced to Rs 3,400 crore. He termed the deduction of Rs 850 crore as unacceptable.

The difference (Rs 850 crore) was just a notional amount arrived at by the central committee as due to the Centre on its share in the Pong Dam, he said.

The state had moved the Supreme Court in 1998 against denial of share in power projects under BBMB and pleaded for 7.19 per cent in these on the basis of the Punjab State Reorganisation Act, 1966.

The apex court on September 27, 2011, granted relief to Himachal by allowing the share. The bench had directed the Centre to work out details of the compensation to be paid to the state, its entitlements and liabilities within six months.

Singh said the Centre has unilaterally cut the state's share to Rs 3,400 crore without taking Himachal into confidence and contrary to the judgement of SC, which is unacceptable.