Chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat inaugurated a 25 kilowatt capacity project for generating electricity using Pirul (dry pine needles) at Chakon Dhanari village in Dunda block of Uttarkashi district on Wednesday. He said that this development will be very useful for protecting the ecology from fires. Fires in the forests destroy trees, medical plants and herbs while also affecting numerous wild animals. However, with the start of this project for generating electricity using Pirul, the forests and wildlife will also be protected from forest fires.
The CM said that this initiative will also help generate employment opportunities. Stating that Uttarakhand currently purchases electricity costing Rs 1,000 crore, he said that such projects will also help the state financially. Rawat pointed out that about 23 lakh metric tonnes of Pirul is produced annually in the state, which can be used to generate about 200 megawatt of electricity. He further said that Kalavasa is found in considerable quantities in the State’s remote areas. Considering the medical properties of this herb, he exhorted farmers to cultivate Kalavasa.
Rawat informed that considering the networking issues in border areas, 250 satellite phones had been provided for the benefit of the residents. He also informed about steps taken to facilitate installation of telecommunication towers in remote areas. On the lines of the border area development programme, Rs 20 crore has been allocated to the CM border area development fund so that problems in such areas can be resolved. The CM also stressed on the necessity of the presence of the local community in border areas from the viewpoint of strategic importance. He also announced approval of fund for floor protection works along the Dhanpati and Indirawati rivers along with approval for 45 kilometre Saura-Sari-Pilang-Budhakedar-Pawali Kedarnath road.
The Gangotri MLA Gopal Singh Rawat also expressed his views on the occasion. The Yamunotri MLA Kedar Singh Rawat and officials concerned were also present on the occasion.
