By Our Staff Reporter
New Delhi, 8 May: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met Union Minister of Forest, Environment and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav in the national capital today. On this occasion, he sought the Centre’s approval for environmental clearance and for transfer of forest land for the Tyuni-Plasu and Rupasiabagad hydroelectric projects.
Reminding the Union Minister of Uttarakhand’s dependence on purchasing electricity from other states and the central pool, the CM stressed on the need for new environment-friendly hydroelectric projects in Uttarakhand to ensure stable power supply and meet rising demands. He emphasised that these projects would not only generate employment opportunities for locals but also boost socio-economic development and help curb migration from the region.
During the meeting, Dhami sought approval for 47.547 hectares of land required for constructing the 72 MW Tyuni-Plasu Hydroelectric Project on Tons, a tributary of the Yamuna River. He urged early approval for the transfer of forest and revenue land, stating that since hydroelectric projects on the Ganga River are not being approved, the state needs to focus on developing projects on the Yamuna, Gauriganga, and Dhauliganga rivers in the Kumaon region.
The CM also pushed for the clearance of the 120 MW Sirkari Bhyol Rupasiabagd Hydroelectric Project, the first proposed project on the Gauriganga River, requesting approval for the transfer of 29.997 hectares of forest land. He insisted that considering strategic and national interests, these projects would greatly benefit Uttarakhand’s energy landscape.
Additionally, Dhami also urged the Union Minister to ensure Central approval for the ropeway development proposal from Triveni Ghat in Rishikesh to Neelkanth Mahadev Temple in the National Wildlife Board meeting. He said this initiative would promote religious tourism, ease traffic congestion, and strengthen the local economy.
Seeking further central assistance, he called for cooperation in reviving Chaurasi Kutiya (Beatles’ Ashram), which he said would help establish Rishikesh as a global hub for yoga and tourism. Addressing concerns about the increasing incidents of forest fires in the state, he requested special assistance of Rs 404 crore for the five-year forest fire management plan under the CAMPA scheme.
On this occasion, Yadav assured Dhami of all possible support for these proposals. Principal Secretary RK Sudhanshu, Principal Secretary R Meenakshi Sundaram, and state’s resident commissioner in Delhi Ajay Mishra were also present at the meeting.
