Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated and laid foundation stones of developmental projects worth about Rs 11,581 crore for the State from the historic Paddal ground in Mandi on the occasion of completion of four years term of the present State Government.Prime Minister inaugurated 111 MW Sawara Kuddu Hydro Electric Project virtually from Mandi constructed by the HP Power Corporation Ltd (HPPCL) at a cost of Rs 2082 crore. Constructed near the famous Hatkoti temple on the Pabbar river in Shimla district, this project would generate 386 million units of power per annum and generate annual revenue of about Rs 120 crore to the State through HPPCL. He also laid foundation stones of Rs 7000 crore Renuka ji Dam on Giri river in Sirmour district and 66 MW Dhaulasidh Hydro Electric Project, a joint venture between the Government of India and the State Government located on the Beas river in Hamirpur and Kangra districts. This Project being executed by the Satluj Jal Vidhut Nigam Ltd., would be completed by spending an amount of Rs 688 crore. In addition to this, he laid foundation stone of 210 MW Luhri Stage-I hydro-electric project to be constructed by spending an amount of Rs 1811 crore on Satluj river in Shimla and Kullu districts of the State.
While addressing the people on the occasion, Prime Minister said that he also shares an emotional relation and bonding with the State of Himachal Pradesh. He also congratulated the State Government for completing four years of its eventful tenure. He said that this double engine Government has ensured that the pace of development goes uninterrupted during the pandemic. He also appreciated the efforts made by the State Government for effectively controlling the Covid-19 pandemic. He said that the vaccine coverage of cent percent eligible population in the State was the result of dedicated and committed efforts of the State Government. He said that the State got AIIMS, Atal Tunnel and four Medical Colleges during the tenure of the present Government.The Prime Minister said that ‘ease of living’ of the people of the country is one of the foremost priorities and electricity plays a huge role in this. Hydro-power projects launched today reflect India’s commitment to eco-friendly development. “When the Shree Renukaji Dam project on the Giri river is completed, a large area will be directly benefited by it. Whatever income will be generated from this project, a large part of it will also be spent on development here”, the Prime Minister remarked.
The Prime Minister reiterated the changed working style of the new India. He talked about the speed with which India is meeting its environment related goals. The Prime Minister mentioned that “ In 2016,India had set a target to meet 40 percent of its installed electricity capacity from non-fossil energy sources by 2030. Today every Indian will be proud that India has achieved this goal in November this year itself.” The Prime Minister continued “the whole world is praising India, for how our country is accelerating development while saving the environment. From solar power to hydro power, from wind power to green hydrogen, the country is working continuously to make full use of every resource of renewable energy”, the Prime Minister informed.The Prime Minister came back to his theme of elimination of single use plastic. He said that the government is alert about the damage caused to the mountains due to plastic. Along with the nationwide campaign against single use plastic, the government is also working on plastic waste management. Touching upon the need for behaviour change, he said “tourists also have a huge responsibility in keeping Himachal clean, free of plastic and other waste. Plastic has spread everywhere, plastic going into rivers, we have to make efforts together to stop the damage it is causing to Himachal.”The Prime Minister praised the growth of the pharmaceutical sector in Himachal Pradesh. He said “If India is called the pharmacy of the world today, then Himachal is the force behind it. Himachal Pradesh has helped not only other states but also other countries during the Corona global pandemic.”Referring to the stellar performance of the state, the Prime Minister said “Himachal outshines the rest in providing the vaccine to its entire adult population. Those who are in the government here, are not immersed in political selfishness, but have devoted their full attention to how every citizen of Himachal gets the vaccine.”Earlier, the Prime Minister visited the exhibition area and evinced keen interest in the exhibition.