Rawat writes to Modi on rapid execution of infra projects

Says a special committee should be set up for giving flip to the mega infra projects that had been delayed considerably in the state

After demanding liberal funding for the flood-hit Uttarakhand, Chief Minister Harish Rawat on Tuesday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to set up a special committee for giving flip to the mega infrastructure projects that had been delayed considerably in the hill state.

Expressing concern over the widespread migration that has occurred over the past several decades in the hills owing to lack of infrastructure facilities, the CM requested Modi to pay special attention for strengthening road, rail, civil aviation and other infrastructure facilities in the remote hilly areas of the state.

Rawat said all those projects where approvals have already been given should be treated as national projects.

“The CM suggested formation of a special committee to increase the pace of implementation of the proposed projects,” an official statement said.

Significantly, Rawat, who is recuperating from a severe neck injury at AIIMS in New Delhi, in his letter made no mention of the last year’s deluge that brought big death and destruction in the hill state.

Rawat pointed out that the migration of people due to lack of employment opportunities in the hills is posing a major security threat to the state which shares its vast borders with countries like China and Nepal.

Though some of the big rail projects such as the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag, Tanakpur-Bageshwar, Ramngar-Chaukhutiya have been given approvals, the implementation of these projects is being delayed, he said.

Besides, other rail projects such as Tanakpur-Jaljeevi, Rishikesh-Doiwala and Haldwani-Chorgaliya, Haldwani-Reetha Saheb, Peeran Kaliyar-Roorkee/ Haridwar, Dehradun-Purola, Dehradun-Kalsi and Muzaffarnagar- Roorkee rails projects have also been delayed.

The CM emphasised the need to further expand Pantnagar and Dehradun airports and said the state government is also planning to set up 52 helidromes.

The CM added that several rehabilitation programs are being carried out by different ministries of the central government. Due to fund shortage and delay in implementation, people are unable to get the desired benefits. Keeping in view the geographical limitations, the CM said the state requires several modern gadgets and equipment.

The CM also expressed hope that the PM will immediately look into the matter and take measures in favour of Uttarakhand.