Chief Minister Shri Jai Ram Thakur said that Himachal government was looking forward to work with Russian government in the field of tourism development and water conservation. He said the state would also seek cooperation in other sectors like investment, technology, road infrastructure and cultural ties with Russia.He was presiding over a meeting with BRICS international alliance delegation from Russia, here today.The Chief Minister said the providing adequate irrigation facility to the farmers was top priority of the government for which rain water harvesting was must and it would also go a long way in checking soil erosion. He said that Himachal Pradesh had vast scope of expending tourism activities and all out efforts would be made to tap this potential. He said as the government of India had 69 road projects for the state, it would not be an issue in two-three years.Shri Jai Ram Thakur expressed hope that with the help of expertise of Russia in both these sectors, the state would be benefited immensely in the years to come.
Irrigation and Public Health Minister Shri Mahender Singh Thakur also stressed on rainwater harvesting through check dams so that the demand of water for irrigational purposes of the farmers and horticulturists could be met. He said the government want that farmers adopt horticulture with agriculture as well to increase their income.BRICS International Alliance (Russia) President Larisa Zeneteslova earlier apprised the Chief Minister that Russian government was willing to work with Himachal Pradesh in various sectors, especially developing tourism sector, road connectivity, ropeways and cultural ties.Chief Secretary Shri Vineet Chawdhry, Additional Chief Secretary and Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Smt. Manisha Nanda, Secretary Health Shri Devesh Kumar, Vice President BRICS International Alliance (Russia) Yulia Egorova, MD for India Shri Sanjay Kapoor and other senior officials were present during the meeting.