BJP seeks Central support from Finance Commission on green bonus, disaster management & agriculture

PIONEER NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun

The Bharatiya Janata Party strongly advocated for adequate central assistance before the 16th Finance Commission on key issues including green bonus, disaster management and rehabilitation, agriculture, horticulture and industry. The party delegation emphasised the need for royalty on rivers, carbon contribution for the state’s environmental services and measures such as forest warrior appointments and solar fencing for protection against wildlife, the BJP State media in-charge Manveer Chauhan said. He informed that representing the party, 20-Point Programme Implementation Committee chairperson Jyoti Prasad Gairola, Dharampur MLA Vinod Chamoli and former State Cooperative Bank chairman Dan Singh Rawat submitted detailed proposals. They stated that Uttarakhand has made significant development progress over the last 25 years and aims to contribute further under the leadership of chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. Chauhan said that the delegation urged the commission to recognise Uttarakhand’s role in national environmental conservation, as the State holds one-sixteenth of the country’s forest wealth and is home to life-sustaining Himalayan rivers. They demanded appropriate carbon contribution rights and royalty on river waters. They also suggested improved connectivity to ghost villages and development of reverse migration plans. Chauhan informed that on urban development, the party highlighted that 40 per cent of the State’s population lives in urban areas, compared to the national average of 27–30 per cent. Citing tourism, pilgrimage and film-related activities, they requested central support for urban infrastructure improvement. The delegation also proposed hydro and solid waste-to-energy projects in cities to address energy demands. Chauhan said that given the State’s vulnerability to disasters, the party sought central cooperation for permanent disaster management systems and mitigation measures. They drew attention to recent forest fires and the need for appointing forest warriors from local panchayats to reduce risks. He said that the delegation raised concerns about damage to crops from wildlife and called for solar fencing in farming zones. For industrial growth, they suggested setting up raw material-based industries in both hilly and plain areas. They also asked for assistance in developing sports infrastructure following the successful organisation of national games in the State. Chauhan stated that considering the State’s tourism and pilgrimage potential, the party requested improved communication networks, expansion of railway connectivity, heli services and consideration of metro services. They also stressed the need for long-term outcomes under the Jal Jeevan Mission through conservation and revival of natural water sources and rivers. Chauhan said that these recommendations will help accelerate the State’s development and support the vision of a developed India.