The British-era Shanan hydropower project at Jogindernagar, 40 km from here, is in a shambles due to the apathy of the Punjab Government. The lease of the project will expire in 2024, after which it will be handed over to the Himachal Government.
The Punjab Government has failed to maintain the buildings, ropeway trolley service and other equipment. After the reorganisation of the states in 1966, the Shanan powerhouse was given to Punjab by the Central Government as the lease agreement was yet to expire.
During the British rule in 1925, it was constructed under a 99-year lease executed between Joginder Sen, Raja of Mandi state, and Col BC Batty, a British representative. The lease will end in 2024 after which Himachal will become the owner of the project.
