Himachal CM Sukhu terms Punjab resolution against HP water cess a politically motivated decision

“Punjab will not be impacted by the water cess. It is wrong to say such a thing. It’s only done to earn political brownie points. For all the hydro projects that are currently in Himachal, the cost of construction has been recovered by them and 20% free electricity is being given. We want a 30% share from the projects since the mineral that comes out of the state benefits everyone except the people of Himachal,” said CM Sukhu.
The CM said that he will hold discussions with the Union minister concerned. A cess on groundwater is also being mulled by the HP government.

Sukhu on Wednesday presided over a state-level ‘World Water Day’ function in Shimla, wherein he emphasised on the importance of water conservation and creating awareness about it. “We need to keep the ‘Blue’ to keep the ‘Green’,” Sukhu added. The CM said in times to come, the water of the rivers can be an asset for revenue generation for which the state will need to adopt “green measures” so as to minimise the impact of global warming on the Himalayan glaciers and the ecosystem.

The CM honoured the representatives of 50 gram panchayats of nine districts and village water and sanitation committees (VWSC) who have signed an MoU with Jal Shakti Vibhag regarding the operation, maintenance, and distribution of drinking water under various water supply schemes through panchayats. Himachal Pradesh Deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri said that the sources of drinking water are limited and thus conservation of water is a collective responsibility and the state government is making continuous efforts to conserve water. Despite spending Rs 5,500 crore under the Jal Jeevan Mission during the BJP regime, drinking water is still a dream for many households in far-flung areas of the state, the deputy CM added.