BJP sold hydel projects on easy terms to SJVN: Sukhu

Hamirpur, January 10

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said the hydropower projects given to Satluj Jal Vidhyut Nigam Limited had added huge loss to the state exchequer as BJP government had awarded Luhri, Sunni and Dhaula-Siddh hydropower projects to SJVNL on terms that were against the interests of the state and its people. CM was addressing media on the sidelines of foundation laying function of new water supply scheme for the town at Nadaun near here today. He said that BJP government did not kept interests of the state in mind while awarding these projects to SJVNL. He added that center government undertakings were opposing the water cess as levied by the state government on their hydel projects in the state despite gaining huge profit from these projects. CM said that Bhakra Beas Management Board owes over Rs 4300 crore to state government and not being released despite repeated requests.

Chief Minister said that the BJP failed in its role of constructive opposition and indulged in cheap politics ignoring the interests of the people of the State. He said that none of the State BJP leaders nor the BJP Member of parliament from the state requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi or other central leaders to seek disaster relief funds. He added that state government has submitted claims of around Rs 10000 crore to the central government, which were expected in December, but BJP leaders are creating hurdles in getting the amount released.

"If the Central Government has given any special economic package to Himachal Pradesh in connection with the disaster as claimed by BJP leaders then they should provide details of the same", CM said. Instead the resolution brought in the Assembly session to declare the natural calamity in Himachal Pradesh as a National Disaster, the BJP MLAs opposed, headed.

On allotment of departments to newly appointed ministers, Sukhu said that the ministers from whom the some departments were stripped would be given the other departments. He said that departments including Infrastructure Development Department and Artificial Intelligence would be created soon and be allotted to the ministers. There was no attempt to weaken profile of any minister of the state. He categorically mentioned that PWD minister Vikramaditya Singh is doing excellent work and would be given responsibility of other department soon.

CM today laid the foundation stone of four projects for Nadaun assembly constituency of the district including foundation stone of new drinking water facility to Nadaun town of Rs 44.66 crore, foundation stone HPTDC with an outlay of Rs. 43.06 crore, rest house of Jal Shakti Department's at Gagaal at cost of Rs 6.54 crore and Rs. 14.02 crore Model Career and Skill Center at Jalari.

Earlier, the Chief Minister addressed grievances of the people at Sera rest house and directed the officials to resolve them soon.

Sanjay Rattan MLA, Ram Chandra Pathania Chairman Kangra Co-operative Primary Agriculture and Rural Development Bank,  Atul Karohta Coordinator State Skill Development Corporation Atul Karohta and officials of district administration were also present.