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Key Points

Himachal CM Sukhvinder Sukhu met Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil to discuss funding for the Kishau hydro project and fair compensation for the Renuka Dam. He emphasized protecting state rights and addressing environmental impacts while securing central support. The meeting also covered pending Jal Jeevan Mission funds and boosting apple import duties to safeguard local farmers. Patil assured cooperation from the central government.

Key Points: Himachal CM Sukhu Seeks CR Patil Support on Kishau Renuka Projects

  • CM Sukhu demands central funding for Kishau project
  • Seeks fair compensation for Renuka Dam impacts
  • Urges early Jal Jeevan Mission fund release
  • Requests higher apple import duty to protect local growers
2 min read

Himachal CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu meets Union Minister CR Patil; seeks support on Kishau, Renuka projects

Himachal CM Sukhvinder Sukhu meets Union Minister CR Patil, pushes for Kishau hydro project funding and Renuka Dam compensation.

"Hydro projects need fair compensation for affected states – Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu"

Shimla, May 22

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu met Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil in New Delhi on Thursday to discuss key water resource projects concerning the state.

The chief minister advocated for the protection of state's rights in the Kishau Hydro Electric Project and emphasised the need for a favourable funding pattern.

He said that the financial burden of the Kishau Project should be borne entirely either by the Government of India or by the major beneficiary states such as Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.

During the meeting, CM Sukhu also raised critical issues concerning the Renuka Dam project. He called for due consideration of the Local Area Development Fund and the free power component. He said that while hydro projects are essential for national development, the environmental and social impacts must also be addressed and the affected states should be fairly compensated.

Apart from this, the Chief Minister requested the early release of the pending amount under the Jal Jeevan Mission for the state.

Union Minister CR Patil assured CM Sukhu of all possible assistance and cooperation from the central government.

Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena; Principal Advisor to the Chief Minister, Ram Subhag Singh; Resident Commissioner, Meera Mohanty and Secretary to the Chief Minister Rakesh Kanwar were also present during the meeting.

Earlier on Wednesday, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to increase the import duty on apples from 50 per cent to at least 100 per cent to discourage the import of apples from Turkey and to safeguard the interests of the apple growers of the state.

He also urged that quantitative restrictions should be imposed on imported apples, an official release said.

In a letter to the Prime Minister, the Chief Minister said that Himachal Pradesh is known as the country's 'Apple Bowl' and is famous for producing delicious varieties of apples. The apple is the prime cash crop of the State and generates an income of about Rs. 4500 crores annually. He said that about 10 lakh man-days are generated due to the apple crop, thereby providing direct and indirect employment to more than 2.50 lakh families.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Glad to see our CM fighting for Himachal's rights! The Kishau project benefits multiple states, so the funding burden shouldn't fall only on HP. Also fully support the apple import duty hike - our farmers deserve protection 🇮🇳 #MakeInHimachal
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Priya M.
While hydro projects are important, I hope they properly address environmental concerns. Our Himalayan ecology is fragile. Good that CM mentioned compensation for affected areas - hope it's not just lip service.
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Ankit S.
‍♂️ Why is Delhi getting Himachal's water while our farmers struggle? First fix our water issues, then supply to other states. And yes, 100% duty on foreign apples is must - Turkish apples are killing our orchards!
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Neha T.
As someone from Shimla, I appreciate the focus on apple growers. But what about tourism infrastructure? After last year's floods, we need equal attention on rebuilding roads and hotels. Hydro projects shouldn't be the only priority.
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Sanjay P.
Good negotiations by CM Sukhu. The Jal Jeevan Mission funds are crucial for rural Himachal. Hope the Centre releases pending amounts soon. Water projects + apple protection = two big wins for our hill state if executed properly.
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Meena R.
While I support protecting local apples, increasing import duty might lead to higher prices for consumers. The government should also help farmers improve quality and productivity to compete globally, not just rely on protectionism.

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