In a fresh standoff between Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu government has decided not to renew the 99-year lease with the neighbouring state over the 110-MW Shanan hydel project at Jogindernagar.
Reiterating his government’s resolve to take over the project, Sukhu recently wrote to Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann to inform him that his government has decided not to renew the lease that expires on March 2, 2024. Himachal Pradesh would be taking over the project, which Sukhu said, was in deplorable condition due to lack of maintenance.
The ties between the two states are already strained over the water cess proposed to be levied by Himachal Pradesh on neighbouring Punjab and Haryana.
