Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna held a courtesy meet with the American diplomat Nancy J Powell at his residence on Thursday. She expressed her condolence over the loss of lives and property in the State during the disaster. She appreciated the efforts of the State Government in the rescue work.
She expressed a desire to give help in the fields of education, IT, health, tourism and rehabilitation. She also discussed the possibilities of developing an early warning system in the State to receive correct information within time. She said that efforts should be made at a worldwide level to safeguard the environment of Himalayas.
Expressing gratitude toward Nancy, CM Bahuguna said that the environment of Himalayas affects the entire world. The State has suffered major loss due to the heavy rains which hit the State before time. The State also had to suffer losses in the field of tourism. The situation is slowly getting normal and the Char Dhaam yatra has been resumed. All the tourist destinations in the State are safe and the tourists can visit the State without fear.
He said that the State Government is planning on permanent solutions to safeguard the State from the disaster.A total of 200 slide zones have been identified for this and 52 Helidrum and cable car plan is being implemented. The 400 disaster-affected villages have been provided with twenty seven thousand solar lights.
So far Rs 300 crore had been distributed to affected people. He further added that the State's GDP and education level is relatively higher. The State has quality educational institutes like University of Petroleum. Almost all major industries, including sugar, have been set up here. The environment here is good. The crime rate in the State is relatively lower than other States.
Present on the occasion were Chief Secretary Subhash Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary Rakesh Sharma, FRDC BP Pandey and Principal Secretary to the CM Dr SS Sandhu.