Dr Vijay Fulara , Kashipur : 23 Dec : Chief Minister Major General (Retd.) Bhuwan Chandra Khanduri laid the foundation stone of a gas-based power project to be constructed at a cost of Rs. 1250 crores in Kashipur of Udham Singh Nagar District in the State, at a programme organised at the Escorts Farm here, on Wednesday. The project is a joint venture of the Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (UJVNL) and Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL).
Speaking at the programme which was organised at village Pacchawala inside the Escorts Farm, Chief Minister Shri Khanduri said that the region was already facing an acute power shortage even before the formation of the State. There has been an improvement in the power generation scenario in the State but consequently power consumption has also gone up owing to the growth of industrialisation in the State. He said that natural resources are available for generating 5000 MW of power. However, there are several hindrances in realising the full hydropower generation potential chiefly due to environmental and natural reasons. The power plant at Kashipur is, therefore, being built as an alternative to the hydropower projects.
On the occasion, he expressed the hope that the commissioning of the Kashipur power plant would not only help remove power shortages but also promote industrialisation in the State. He also directed officials present to expedite the construction work so as to complete the project in time and commence power production there.
Addressing a large public meeting, Chief Minister Shri Khanduri said that the Government is constantly making efforts to foster a culture of growth and development in the State. While steps have been taken to eradicate corruption through the passage of the Lokayukta Act, various other measures for transparent posting and transfers of employees have also been taken in the form of the Transfer Act.
The Chief Minister said that the Centre is adopting a biased attitude towards Uttarakhand which has obstructed the process of development and industrialisation. He said that in spite of the Centre withdrawing the provisions of the Concessional Industrial Package three years before its expiry, the State has been forging ahead on the path of industrialisation on the strength of its own resources. He said that owing to a number of scams over a period of last two to three years, a bad image has been created for the country which was earlier referred to as Vishwa Guru (world teacher). He also appealed to the people to come forward to combat the evil forces of corruption.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stones of a number of development projects and schemes worth Rs. 21 crores, which among the gas-based power project, includes reconstruction / renewal of Daraumarg to Saijna, Bigabada to Phulsunga, Kilometres 14-15 on NH 44, and, Balramnagar Saidliganj Road in Gadarpur. Besides, he also laid the foundation stones of roads including Mundali round-about to Naugwanthagyu motor road in Khatima region, Banusa intersection to Berighat motor road, Banusa intersection to Gandhi Nagar motor road, Diya to Dyuri link road, Phulaiya Ambedkar motor road, Bhudmohriya intersection to Naugwanthagyu motor road, Nanakmatta Hardaspur road and Balkhera Badhaiya road, Kilometre 5 to 7 of Kashipur main road in Jaspur region, and, also laid the foundation stone of Barhaini Haripura Harsan Mahola, Maholi road.
Chief Minister Shri Khanduri dedicated to the people a building of the Government Intermediate College at Jhankat, constructed at a cost of Rs. 79.49 lakhs.
The Chief also laid foundation stones of four works in Nainital district, to be taken up at a cost of about Rs. 8 crores. These include improvement of four roads and constriction of a suspension bridge.
MLA Harbhajan Cheema and BJP District President Khilendra Chaudhary also addressed the public meeting. Among those present on the occasion include public representatives, and senior administrative and police officials, among others.