Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday flagged the issue
of proposed Water Cess on Hydropower plants by Himachal Pradesh with his counterpart of hill state Sukhwinder Sukhu.
Mr Sukhu called on Bhagwant Mann at his official residence this morning. During the meeting, the Mr Mann expressed the concern of the state over the proposed water cess on Hydropower plants being implemented by the Himachal Pradesh government. He said that this should not be implemented as it isagainst the interests of the state. However, the Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister clarified that the water cess will be levied only on the hydropower plants within their own state adding that it will not be applicable in Punjab.
Meanwhile, in order to resolve the issue both the chief ministers agreed that the chief secretaries and power secretaries of the two states will meet every fortnight to ensure that there is no bickering amongst the states and issues will be solved amicably.
Punjab CM also batted for Ropeway between Sri Anandpur Sahib and Naina Devi ji to mutually benefit the two states. He said that the ropeway will facilitate lakhs of devotees visiting these two historic and religious sites in a smooth and hassle-free manner. Mr Mann and Mr Sukhu also expressed concurrence over setting up the Pathankot-Dalhousie ropeway project to boost tourism.
Mr Mann also sought mutual cooperation between both states in the power sector too and said.
that Himachal Pradesh can sell excess power available with it to the state during the peak season and added that this will help resolving the issue of power during the paddy season in the state.
