April 17, 2008:Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal, Chief Minister said that State Government would extend all possible help to Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited in all its future endeavour since the State was partner in the company. He said that State aimed at generating 12,000 MW Hydro Power by year 2012 and executing authority of 412 MW Rampur Hydro Electric Project needed to re consider changing the name of the Project to Netaji Subhash Chander Bose Hydro Electric Project as a tribute to the great freedom fighter. He was addressing a public meeting at Bayal vill age in Anni Sub-Division of District Kullu today. He also laid foundation stone of the 20 bedded hospital estimated to be constructed at a cost of Rs. 4 crore by the SJVNL, the executing authority of HEP Rampur.
Chief Minister expressed gratitude to former Prime Minister Shri Atal Behari Vajpayee and former Power Minister Late Shri Kumar Manglam who acceded to the request of the State to shift the headquarter of the then Nathpa-Jhakri Power Corporation to Shimla from New Delhi. He said that the interests of the people of the State and affected families was on top priority besides ensuring ecological balance in the State. He said that Shri Vajpayee had laid the foundation stone of 800 MW Koldam of NTPC at Barmana and the construction work was in progress and likely to be completed well before the stipulated period. He said that interests of local people especially oustees were dear to the State and would be protected.
Prof. Dhumal said that protection of environment was of prime concern to the State Government and added that all IPPs had been directed to take measures to maintain ecology in their project areas. He said that dumping of waste material needed to be carried out in a proper manner. He said that project authorities needed to give attractive compensation to the families donating land for projects besides implementing the agreement in letter and spirit. He said that
project authorities needed to undertake social welfare, development and employment related activities besides providing proper rehabilitation package to the oustees.
Chief Minister said that the identified 21000 MW Hydro potential would be exploited to the optimum in coming five years so that besides generating revenue it could generate employment and self-employment avenues. He said that State Government would monitor the condition of providing employment to Himachalis and would not compromise for less than the provision made in new power policy.
Prof. Dhumal said that decision of SJVNL to spend Rs. 125 crore on relief and rehabilitation of the oustees deserved appreciation and advised the authorities that the ousted families were compensated through other modes as well. He suggested that the upcoming colony of the project should be constructed in the project area to benefit the local people.
Shri Kishori Lal, Local MLA welcomed the Chief Minister and detailed out the local demands.
Shri H.K. Sharma, CMD, SJVNL detailed out the activities of the project.
Shri Narender Bragta, Horticulture Minister, Shri Suresh Bhardwaj, Shri Tejwant Negi, MLAs, Shri Ninju Ram former MLA, Shri Ram Singh, District President BJP, Smt. Sudha Devi, Deputy Commissioner, Shri Jagat Ram, S.P. Shri R.S. Katoch, Director Personal, Shri H.K. Garg, Director Finance, Shri K.C. Sadyal, Chief Vigilance Officer, Shri J.K. Sharma, Director, Civil, SJVNL, other senior officers and prominent people of the area were present.