SHIMLA: Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs Manohar Lal on Thursday reviewed the urban development schemes and the power sector scenario of Himachal Pradesh in Shimla.
Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Chief Minister, Himachal Pradesh, and Vikramaditya Singh, Minister for Public Works & Urban Development Department of the state were present in the meeting. The meeting was also attended by senior officials from the state government and officials from Govt of India (GoI) from Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, and Ministry of Power along with officials from Sutlej Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd (SJVNL), Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) and Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL).
The matters related to overall power sector scenario and urban development matters were discussed. Issues related to execution of works under Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) and hydroelectric power projects were highlighted and possible solutions were also discussed.
Further, it was discussed that the state and BBMB may jointly take up two pumped storage projects (PSPs) namely 1500 MW PSP at Raipur, district Una, and 2800 MW PSP at Garia, district Kangra.
The CM thanked the Union minister for his visit to Shimla for review of Himachal Pradesh in respect of issues related to the power sector and urban development and also highlighted concerns of the state in respect of power projects especially issues related to free power in hydro-electric projects.
Manohar Lal said his visit to the state would help in better understanding of the issues and their resolution.
He highlighted the role of RDSS in bringing improvement in the power distribution sector and in strengthening electricity distribution infrastructure for the remote areas of the State and advised the state to expeditiously award and implement the works sanctioned under RDSS including the works sanctioned for electrification of border areas.
He also emphasised that the state of Himachal Pradesh has a huge hydro-power potential which should be effectively utilised and emphasised that Centre and the state should jointly work in resolution of pending issues.
The Union minister assured continued support and cooperation from the Government of India in the overall development of the state.
