Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Meets Union Jal Shakti Minister
Dehradun, [Date] – Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met with Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil in New Delhi on Thursday. The meeting focused on water resources and hydropower development in the state.
Dhami emphasized the crucial role of water in Uttarakhand’s social and economic development. He highlighted how hydropower projects have been instrumental in boosting the state’s GDP. To meet the increasing energy demand, Uttarakhand purchases approximately Rs 1000 crore of electricity annually from the open market.
The CM informed Patil that despite estimates of 25,000 MW of hydropower potential in the state, only 4200 MW is currently being utilized. He expressed concern over the stalled development of projects in the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi river valleys, and requested the Union Minister to expedite approvals for ongoing projects and authorize new projects beyond the Ganga and its tributaries.
Dhami also requested funding approval for the Jamrani Dam Multipurpose Project, which is expected to provide 170 MLD of drinking water to Haldwani and surrounding areas by 2051. The project will also irrigate 57,000 hectares of agricultural land in Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh.
The CM highlighted that the project cost is estimated at Rs 3808.16 crore and requested funding approval under the revised Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana-Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Program.