Chief Minister Harish Rawat expressed satisfaction that the Pancheshwar Dam was a prominent subject of discussion during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Nepal. The Nepalese leadership also deserved congratulations in this regard. Of late, a positive change had come in their approach. Joint surveys had been conducted for the Pancheshwar Dam project and a joint commission constituted.
He said that the flood control works conducted by India in Nepal’s Terai area over the past four years had also given positive results. He expressed the hope that for the sake of people’s well-being, coordinated use of water resources would be increase between both nations.
Stating that Uttarakhand had already made its position clear on the Pancheshwar Dam, the CM asserted that the state ought to get its due share of the electricity generated. On the Indian side, Uttarakhand was the primary stake holder. He also suggested that the rehabilitation policy for the Pancheshwar Dam be implemented keeping in mind the lessons learnt from the Tehri Dam. With its limited resources, it was not possible for Uttarakhand to rehabilitate the displaced on its own.
He also disclosed that a committee had been constituted under the chairmanship of the Principal Secretary, Finance, to formulate policies for the state’s important sectors. Work, so far, had to be done on the basis of ‘pick and choose’ because of the lack of a policy. This was not good for responsible governance. A policy brought clarity on principles to the system.
He also asserted that one of the priorities was strengthening of the Panchayat Raj system. An action plan would be prepared to check the use of money power in Panchayat Elections according to the powers vested in the state under the Constitution. Constitutional experts would be consulted in this regard.
Asked about landslides in the hill areas, he said mapping of water flow would be got done in the state.
The cooperation of Gram Panchayats would be taken in this regard.