HP govt asks Centre to release funds for river project

The Himachal Pradesh government today urged the Centre to release the second installment of funds for Swan River Flood Management Project in Una district.
Himachal Irrigation and Public Health Minister Vidya Stokes made the demand during a meeting with Union Water Resources Minister Uma Bharti where she apprised her about the utilisation of first installment of central assistance.
Emphasising on the need for early release of second installment to maintain the pace of work, Stokes said work on the project was going in full swing.
Under the Rs 922.48 crore project, all tributaries of Swan river from Daulatpur Bridge to Santokhgarh Bridge will be channelised. The cost of the project is being shared by the Centre and the state in 70:30 ratio.

During the 2014-15, Stokes said, the state government madebudget allocation of Rs. 308 crorefor this project.
As per the funding pattern, 70 per cent (Rs 215.60 crore)was to be released by the Union government intwo installments but it has released only one installment while the state has given its full share, she claimed
"The state government had requested the CWC for release/ reimbursement of the second installment of Central Assistance of Rs. 107.80 crore but there has been no progress," she said.