Dhami meets Yadav, requests forest land transfer approval for power projects 

PIONEER NEWS SERVICE | Dehradun 

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met union Environment, Forest and Climate Change minister Bhupender Yadav in New Delhi on Thursday and requested for forest land transfer for the Tyuni- Plasu hydro power project. He also requested for environmental clearance and forest land transfer for the Rupsiabagad hydro power project.

He told Yadav that Uttarakhand had to purchase power from other states and central pool to meet its requirements. In view of its increasing needs, construction of new hydro power projects in the State is needed. The CM said that new power projects will also create new employment opportunities and will help in solving the problem of migration from the State.

Dhami requested that 47.547 hectare forest and revenue land transfer should be approved for the proposed 72 MW Tyuni- Plasu power project on the Tons river which is a subsidiary of Yamuna. 

He said that in view of the difficulty in approval for the power projects on Ganga river, construction of power projects on Yamuna and Gauri and Dhauli Ganga rivers is essential for the State.

The CM told Yadav that the 120 MW Sikyari- Bhyol Rupsiabagad power project is the first project on the Gauri Ganga river. He requested that approval for 29.997 hectare forest land transfer for this should be given.

He said that these projects should be approved in view of their strategic importance.

 Dhami also requested that the proposal of construction of a ropeway from Triveni Ghat in Rishikesh to Neelkanth temple should be approved in the meeting of National Board for Wildlife. He said that the project will help in the development of religious tourism and reduce the traffic load in the area.

He also sought assistance of the Union government for revamping Chaurasi Kutiya.

The CM also requested special assistance of Rs 404 crore for forest fire management in the State.

Principal secretary R K Sudhanshu, R Meenakshi Sundaram and resident commissioner Ajay Mishra were present on the occasion.