1. Home
2. Front Page

Omar reiterates demand for Dulhasti transfer to J&K

KT NEWS SERVICE. Dated: 6/25/2013 11:22:21 PM

KISHTWAR, Jun 25: Strongly advocating transfer of Dulhasti Hydro Electric Power Project to Jammu and Kashmir to enable it address increasing power supply demand and strengthen economy, the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Tuesday said that bulk production of hydro power in the state was only way forward to ensure socio-economic welfare of the state.
Addressing a public gathering here in presence of Prime Minister Dr Manhoman Singh, UPA Chairperson, Sonia Gandhi, Governor N N Vohra, Union Minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad and various other central and state dignitaries who arrived here to lay foundation of Ratli Hydro Electric Project (HEP), the Chief Minister said that optimum utilization of two great resources of ‘water and natural beauty’ possessed by Jammu and Kashmir could transform the economic and development scenario of the state.
Omar said that the state government with the help of union government was endeavouring to harness the rich hydro electric potential of the state. “We want to generate surplus electricity to supply it to other parts of the country and lay strong edifice for the economic growth and welfare of the state,” he said and reiterated the state’s demand for transfer of Dulhasti HEP to Jammu and Kashmir as recommended by Rangarajan Committee also. He said that state government had already taken up this matter with the union government yet there was no forward movement on it.
“On this occasion, I would like to press the demand of the people of the state before the UPA Chairperson and Prime Minister for transfer of Dulhasti HEP to the state,” he said while thanking them for their highest support to Jammu and Kashmir for its holistic development.
Omar said that during the last 9 years UPA government at the Centre under the chairmanship of Sonia Gandhi extended generous economic support to the state. He lauded the keenness of Sonia Gandhi to see Jammu and Kashmir developing fast. He sought her support for harnessing the vast hydro electric potential of Jammu and Kashmir.
“At present whenever we feel financial requirements we approach the UPA government and get whatever we want with the support of UPA Chairperson,” he said adding that if a government not friendly towards the state as UPA government and Sonia Gandhi were, would be at the helm at the Centre, Jammu and Kashmir would be in difficulty. “As such, we seek highest economic support from the UPA government to establish our own power projects and stand firm on economic ground,” he maintained.
The Chief Minister also sought Rs. 600-crore package for earthquake hit families of erstwhile Doda district and said that the state government had already submitted the proposal for this package to the union government. He also sought special component for land compensation under PMRP-2.
Omar said that large number of houses were damaged in erstwhile Doda district in the devastating earthquake besides severe damage to public infrastructure. “We hope that the union government would come forward and help the affected families to reconstruct their houses,” he said that under MPRP, the state was given special component for acquisition of land to construct roads under PMGSY. “We request same component under PMRP-2,” he said.
Underlying the need for linking Doda and Kishtwar districts with the Valley for economic welfare and round the year accessibility, Omar sought central funding for construction of Singhpora-Voilo tunnel. He said construction of this tunnel was the cherished desire of the
people of the area and they were looking forward to the union government for financial support for the construction of this tunnel.
The Chief Minister remembered the sacrifices of soldiers who lost their lives in protecting the state and the country and to restore peace in Jammu and Kashmir. He showed solidarity with the forces lauding their bravery and highest degree of service for the country and the people.
While condemning the Monday’s terrorist attack on Army near Hyderpora Srinagar in which precious lives of soldiers were lost, the Chief Minister conveyed his sympathy to the bereaved families and the army.
Omar said that the efforts of the union and state governments yielded positive results on peace and development fronts adding that peace is gradually rooting in the state. “Some elements inimical to peace don’t want the situation to become conducive and people live a normal life.
They are always in search of occasions to disturb tranquility,” he said and maintained that the people would isolate these elements and foil their attempts.