CM seeks Centre's support for health infra upgrade, hydropower projects
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Shimla: Himachal Pradesh chief minister
Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu
met Union jal shakti minister C R Patil and Union minister for health and family welfare JP Nadda in New Delhi on Thursday, seeking central support for strengthening health infrastructure in the state and demanding that the Centre or major beneficiary states such as Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan bear the financial costs of the Kishau hydel power project.
Sukhu apprised Nadda of the state's requirements in implementing schemes such as Ayushman Bharat and the National Health Mission. He said there was a need for strengthening health facilities across the state.
The CM requested the establishment of a dedicated cancer care centre in the state and the introduction of advanced medical technologies and modern equipment in govt hospitals to ensure better healthcare for the patients.
Sukhu also urged for relaxation in eligibility criteria for central schemes and sought the early release of pending funds. The Union health minister assured the CM that the interests of Himachal Pradesh would be safeguarded and all necessary cooperation would be extended by the Centre to Himachal Pradesh.
In his meeting with Union minister Patil, Sukhu discussed various key water resource projects concerning Himachal Pradesh,
The Kishau hydel power project is a proposed gravity dam on the Tons river, a tributary of the Yamuna, on the border of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
Sukhu advocated for the protection of the state's rights in the Kishau hydroelectric project and emphasised the need for a favourable funding pattern.
The CM also raised critical issues regarding the Renuka Dam project. The CM called for due consideration of the local area development fund and the free power component. He said while hydro projects are essential for national development, their environmental and social impacts must also be addressed, and the affected states should be fairly compensated.
Apart from this, the CM requested the early release of the pending amount under the Jal Jeevan Mission for the state. The Union minister assured the CM of all possible assistance and cooperation from the central govt.
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