Tapping hydro potential evokes divergent reaction from members

A senior BJP member's suggestion to tap hydro-electric potential of Himalayan states evoked sharp reaction from certain members who said the government needs to be sensitive about the fragility of the ecologically fragile region.
Moving a private member's bill, Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank' (BJP) suggested that the government should set up a Development Council for the Himalayan region and prepare a policy to tap the hydro-electric potential which has been estimated at 75,000 MW.
"Our total hydro power capability is 1,00,000 MW out of which Himalayan region can generate 75,000 MW. We need to frame a proper policy in this direction," he said.

Responding to his suggestion, CPI-M member Mohammad Salim said, "I don't think it is needed in Himalayan states. How do we protect the fragility of the region? Government needs to be sensitive to this factor."
Salim advocated small dams as they do not impact the fragility of the Himalayan region which was witnessing nature's fury due to unscientific exploitation of the nature.
RJD member Rajesh Ranjan 'Pappu Yadav' too opposed setting up of large dams to generate power in the Himalayan region.

According to Yadav, "Such a move was just for the sake of big industry and would lead to disastrous consequences...Which are mostly man made."

The bill sought to set up a Central Himalayan States Development Council to formulate development plans and schemes to ensure balanced and all-round development of the region.
Meanwhile, members cutting across party lines, supported setting up of a Development Council to deal with the problems of the Himalayan region and exploit its economic resources in an environment friendly manner for the welfare of the people.
"There should be a separate ministry for Himalayas... pending which the government should at least set up a council to take care of the problems of the region," Pokhriyal said.