NewKerala.com

Key Points

Himachal CM Sukhvinder Sukhu met PM Modi to push for the state's rights in hydropower projects and faster fund releases. He highlighted concerns over foreign apple imports undercutting local growers and discussed infrastructure projects like Kangra airport. The CM also shared Himachal's vision to become self-reliant by 2032 through green energy and tourism initiatives. Modi assured sympathetic consideration of these demands during their meeting in Delhi.

Key Points: Himachal CM Sukhu Urges PM Modi to Protect State Hydropower Interests

  • Sukhu seeks early return of 40-year-old hydropower projects to Himachal
  • Demands higher royalties and financial aid from Centre
  • Raises concerns over apple imports hurting local growers
  • Discusses Kangra airport expansion and green energy plans
2 min read

Himachal CM urges PM Modi to safeguard interests of state in hydropower projects

Himachal CM Sukhvinder Sukhu meets PM Modi, demands fair hydropower royalties and faster fund releases for the state's development.

"We must safeguard Himachal's interests in hydropower projects and ensure timely returns to the state – Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu"

Shimla, May 24

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Saturday.

Sukhu called for safeguarding the interests of the state in hydropower projects and urged to fix a time limit for handing over the projects back to the state. He also raised the issue of free royalty and handing over the projects under PSUs and CPSUs which had completed 40 years, an official release said.

He requested the Prime Minister to provide liberal financial assistance to the state and release the funds due to the state as soon as possible.

The Chief Minister apprised PM Modi of the state government's vision to make Himachal Pradesh self-reliant by 2032.

He said that the state government is already making efforts in this direction by formulating schemes and strengthening the existing ones. He elaborated on the state government's initiatives in tourism, green energy, power, and other sectors.

The Chief Minister also discussed other issues related to the return of excess land and enhanced royalty from projects which have completed 40 years and have recovered their cost.

The Chief Minister also discussed Kangra airport and interests of the state's apple growers should be protected. He raised the issue of importing apples from Turkey and other countries.

The Prime Minister heard the demands of the Chief Minister and assured of looking into the matter of the import of apples, besides assuring of sympathetic consideration about other issues, the release said.

Earlier today, Chief Minister Sukhu also attended the tenth Governing Council meeting of Niti Aayog at New Delhi.

PM Mod chaired the 10th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, earlier today. It was attended by Chief Ministers and Lt. Governors representing 24 States and 7 UTs. This year's theme was Viksit Rajya for Viksit Bharat@2047. The meeting commenced with a minute of silence in the remembrance of the victims of Pahalgam terrorist attack.

Prime Minister said that it is the aspiration of every Indian for the country to be a Viksit Bharat. It is not the agenda of any party but the aspiration of 140 crore Indians. He observed that if all States work together towards this goal, then we will make stupendous progress. He also said that we should commit that every State, every city, every village will be developed, and then Viksit Bharat will be achieved much before 2047. (ANI)

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Good to see CM Sukhu raising important issues about hydropower projects. Himachal's resources should benefit Himachalis first. The 40-year limit makes sense - why should PSUs hold onto projects indefinitely? Centre must listen to hill states' genuine concerns.
P
Priya M.
Apple growers' concerns are valid! Importing cheaper Turkish apples hurts our farmers badly � Government should impose higher tariffs or find ways to support local produce. Himachal apples are superior quality anyway!
A
Amit S.
While I support state rights, we must ensure hydropower projects continue serving national interests. Himachal gets royalty and employment from these projects. Complete handover might affect power supply to other states. Balance is needed.
S
Sunita R.
Kangra airport development is long overdue! Better connectivity will boost tourism and local economy. Hope PM Modi acts on this quickly. Himachal has so much potential as a year-round destination beyond just Shimla-Manali.
V
Vikram J.
The self-reliance vision by 2032 is ambitious but achievable. Himachal has renewable energy potential (solar+hydro) that can make it a model green state. Centre should support this - it aligns perfectly with India's climate commitments.
N
Neha T.
While development is important, hope they don't over-exploit Himachal's fragile ecology. Already seeing landslides and water shortages. Any projects must have strict environmental safeguards. Nature is Himachal's real wealth! 🌿

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50