Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday unveiled four hydro-electricity projects in Himachal Pradesh worth over Rs 11,281 crore in what he termed a “big step forward in realising the dream of a climate-friendly New India.”
Addressing a huge rally in Mandi, the Prime Minister said, “In 2016 the country had set a target of achieving 40% electricity capacity from non-fossil fuels by 2030. But all Indians will be proud to know that this goal has already been achieved in November this year.
This reflects the speed at which India is working under the present double-engine government to move ahead with development projects, he added.
The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of Renukaji Dam project which he pointed had been lying pending for around three decades.
The 40 MW project will be built at a cost of around Rs 7000 crore. It will prove to be immensely beneficial for Delhi, which will be able to receive around 500 million cubic metre water supply per year.
The Prime Minister also flagged off work on the Luhri Stage 1 Hydro Power Project. The 210 MW project will be built at a cost of over Rs 1800 crore. It will lead to generation of over 750 million units of electricity per year. The modern and dependable grid support will prove beneficial to surrounding states of the region as well.
Besides, PM Modi laid the foundation stone of Dhaulasidh Hydro Power Project. This will be the first hydropower project of Hamirpur district. The 66 MW project will be built at a cost of over Rs 680 crore. It will lead to generation of over 300 million units of electricity per year.
The Prime Minister also inaugurated the 111 MW Sawra-Kuddu Hydropower Project built with an investment of Rs 2,080 crore.
It will lead to generation of over 380 million units of electricity per year, and help the state earn revenue worth over Rs 120 crore annually.
Besides, the Prime Minister presided over the second ground breaking ceremony of Himachal Pradesh Global Investors’ Meet. The meet is expected to give a boost to investment in the region through the start of projects worth around Rs 28,000 crore.
The event marks the completion of four years of the Jai Ram Thakur-led government and the golden jubilee of Himachal Pradesh’s statehood.
The Prime Minister said that his government was working towards fulfilling the energy requirement of the country and at the same time protecting the environment.
He congratulated the people of Himachal for becoming the first state in the country to achieve 100% vaccination of all adults. He said that this shows that the government is working whole-heartedly for the benefit of the people unlike opposition ruled states which have a poor track record of vaccination leaving their people vulnerable to coronavirus pandemic.
PM Modi said the government was working to develop Himachal in the areas of “food processing, farming, pharma and fun of tourism.” A mega food processing park and cold chain storage facilities were being set up and the road connectivity in the state was also being improved, he added.
He pointed out that in the last two years tap water connections had been provided to an additional 7 lakh families. In contrast, the earlier government had taken 7 years to give 7 lakh water connections.
Taking a swipe at the opposition, he said “while their leaders work for enriching themselves and their families” the double-engine government works to benefit the poor.
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