NEW DELHI: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami called on Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil in New Delhi on Tuesday, where they discussed key development initiatives aimed at boosting Uttarakhand’s economic and social growth.
During the meeting, CM Dhami urged the Union Minister to expedite the approval process for eight proposed hydropower projects in the state. These include seven projects with a combined capacity of 647 MW, along with the 114 MW Sela Urthing Hydroelectric Project located in Pithoragarh.
Highlighting the state’s commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development, the Chief Minister emphasized that Uttarakhand is dedicated to maintaining the cleanliness, uninterrupted flow, and ecological balance of the Ganga and other rivers, while aligning with expert recommendations.
Dhami clarified that the Sela Urthing project, being outside the Ganga basin, is not subject to the restrictions imposed on hydropower development within the Ganga and its tributaries. He requested that the Union Minister issue the necessary directions to facilitate its approval.
The Chief Minister also pressed for the sanctioning of the remaining seven hydropower projects, in accordance with the recommendations of the committee headed by the Cabinet Secretary, Government of India, and reiterated the state’s readiness to implement them responsibly.
