Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated projects worth Rs 11,000 crores, which includes the Dhaulasidh hydro power & Renukaji dam projects, in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi on Monday. On the occasion, the PM said that these hydropower and dam projects will be a part of a ‘climate-friendly New India’.
After inaugurating and laying the foundation of various hydropower projects in Mandi, speaking on the occasion, the PM said, ”India has achieved the target which was set for 2030, of making 40 per cent of its installed electricity capacity from non-fossil energy, this year itself.”
PM Narendra Modi further added, ”India had set a target in 2016 to meet 40 per cent 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 PM also appreciated the Himachal government for taking various measures to avoid the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Today, the Himachal Pradesh govt has completed four years. During its tenure, the government fought against COVID-19 and also made sure that development works in the state do not stop,’’ PM Modi said while addressing a public meeting in Mandi.
“Our government is alert about the damage caused to the mountains due to plastic. Along with the nationwide campaign against single-use plastic, our government is also working on plastic waste management,’’ PM Modi added.
Hailing the hill state, PM Narendra Modi said, ”Himachal Pradesh is one of the most important pharma hubs in the country. During COVID-19, the State has not only helped other States but also many countries.”
While addressing a huge gathering of BJP supporters in Mandi, PM Modi said, “There are two development models in the State. One is ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas & Sabka Vishwas’. The other model is ‘Khud ka swarth, parivaar ka swarth’. Himachal Pradesh govt is working on the first model and has implemented many development programs in the state,” the PM Modi said.
PM Modi arrived in Mandi, also known as ‘Chhoti Kashi’ to inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of hydropower projects worth Rs 11,000 crore. These projects will help boost the state’s economy and will also provide additional power to the states.
But there is one project that has been lying pending for around three decades, which will prove to be beneficial for Delhi, as it will be able to receive around 500 million cubic metre water supply per year.
Donning a long woollen coat and hand gloves due to the chilly weather, PM Modi presided over the second groundbreaking ceremony of the Himachal Pradesh Global Investors’ Meet. This meet is expected to give a boost to investment in the region through the start of projects which is worth around Rs 28,000 crore.
The first groundbreaking ceremony was held in the state capital in December 2019 in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and a total of nearly 100 investors were present on the occasion.
State Chief Minister Jairam Thakur welcomed the Prime Minister as he offered a Himachali cap and a shawl. A traditional artefact of Chamba made on silver was presented to Modi, who was accompanying his Cabinet Minister Anurag Thakur, belonging to the state.
Amid the recitation of Sanskrit ‘shlokas’, the events then marked the completion of the four years of the BJP government. According to the statement of an official, the Prime Minister is constantly focussing on fully utilising the untapped potential of the resources available in the country and one of the steps in this regard has been to utilise the hydropower potential optimally in the Himalayan region.
In view of rising COVID-19 cases across the country, PM Modi said, “Our government has announced COVID19 vaccination for 15-18-year-olds from January 3, 2022, and ‘precaution dose’ for healthcare workers and senior citizens with comorbidities from January 10. I am confident that Himachal Pradesh will lead in achieving vaccination coverage.”
