BJP seeks white paper on Kishau Dam deal, questions Himachal's water rights
Shimla : Himachal Pradesh BJP president Rajeev Bindal on Monday questioned the Congress govt’s agreement on the Kishau Dam project on the Tons river along the Himachal-Uttarakhand border and demanded a white paper on the state’s water and financial rights.
Addressing media, Bindal said the Centre’s decision to bear the Rs 12,096-crore water component of the Rs 15,624-crore project had removed the major financial hurdle and paved the way for the agreement signed on Sept 15.
He questioned why Himachal gave up its earlier Rs 1,764-crore investment commitment in the Rs 3,528-crore power component, which was to be shared equally with Uttarakhand . He said the commitment amounted to an average annual investment of Rs 135.69 crore over 13 years.
Bindal also sought clarity on changes in Himachal’s water rights , including its share of Tons river water, irrigation potential and future requirements. Referring to chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu ’s projection of Rs 1,200 crore in annual revenue, he asked why the state did not retain its direct investment if such returns were expected.
He sought details on irrigation opportunities for Sirmaur farmers, local employment and business benefits, besides disclosure of the complete agreement and its financial and water-sharing implications.
Addressing media, Bindal said the Centre’s decision to bear the Rs 12,096-crore water component of the Rs 15,624-crore project had removed the major financial hurdle and paved the way for the agreement signed on Sept 15.
He questioned why Himachal gave up its earlier Rs 1,764-crore investment commitment in the Rs 3,528-crore power component, which was to be shared equally with Uttarakhand . He said the commitment amounted to an average annual investment of Rs 135.69 crore over 13 years.
Bindal also sought clarity on changes in Himachal’s water rights , including its share of Tons river water, irrigation potential and future requirements. Referring to chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu ’s projection of Rs 1,200 crore in annual revenue, he asked why the state did not retain its direct investment if such returns were expected.
He sought details on irrigation opportunities for Sirmaur farmers, local employment and business benefits, besides disclosure of the complete agreement and its financial and water-sharing implications.
Next Story