Shanan power project, located in Himachal Pradesh, to stay with Punjab for now

Chandigarh: The Central Government today granted status quo to the ‘Shanan Power Project’ in Himachal Pradesh, providing significant relief to the Punjab government and averting an immediate threat.

The lease of the ‘Shanan project’ is set to expire on March 2, and the Punjab government was concerned that the Himachal Pradesh government might assume control of the project upon its expiration. Hence, the state government approached the Supreme Court today.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has been in discussions with power officials and the Advocate General’s office for several days and has given approval to approach the Supreme Court.

According to the details received, the Center has stated in a letter that, in the public interest, it has decided to maintain the status quo on the ‘Shanan Power Project’ to ensure uninterrupted generation of 110 MW of power.

The Congress party governs Himachal Pradesh, while the Aam Aadmi Party governs Punjab. The central government has affirmed Punjab’s position in these political circumstances and has intervened in the matter.

In a letter issued today, the Union Power Ministry stated that there will be a status quo on the project until the ministry reaches a final decision. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhwinder Sukhu has already written to the Punjab government expressing the intention that, after March 2, a team of engineers from Himachal Pradesh will assume control of the ‘Shanan Power Project’ along with its assets.

The Punjab power department team has been seeking legal advice to prevent this attempt by Himachal Pradesh for several days, and today a petition has also been filed in the Supreme Court regarding this matter.