Defending its move to impose water cess to generate resources, Himachal Government on Wednesday said it was well within its right under theInter State River Water Disputes Act 1956 to impose the cess on hydel-power generation.
Responding to action by its neighbours, Punjab and Haryana, who moved resolutions in their assemblies today, seeking withdrawal of the water cess, Jal Shakti Minister Mukesh Agnihotri said as per constitutional provisions, water is a state subject, giving right to Himachal over its water resources.
“The revenue generated from imposition of water cess on BBMB projects shall be distributed equally among all five states, including Himachal, as Bhakra Nangal project is a joint venture of Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, HP, Delhi and Chandigarh,” said Agnihotri.
