Apprehending a spillover of terrorism from the neighbouring Jammu and Kashmir into Himachal Pradesh, chief Minister Virbhadra Singh sought additional grant from the Centre to contain the terror activities in the state.
Speaking at the Inter-State Council meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Singh said Himachal Pradesh was facing a “serious challenge” and “future possibility of spill over of terrorism” in the districts of Chamba and Lahaul Spiti.
“We request Centre to support us in containing the terror activities by giving more grants,” he said.
His remarks come amid the state of turmoil in Kashmir Valley where 39 people have died and over 3,100 left injured in the violence since last week following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani.
Singh also urged the Centre to provide subsided helicopter services in Himachal Pradesh so that all parts of the state remain connected throughout the year.
Besides, the chief minister asked the Union government to allow state to “utilise wasteland for creating infrastructure for essential economic activities” like road infrastructure and power projects.
Stressing that there has been “inordinate delay” in granting permissions for critical infrastructure projects under Forest Conservation Act, he called for relaxation for the state in granting such approvals.
He also asked Centre to grant Green Bonus to hill states for maintaining their forest cover.
“Green Bonus should be provided regularly to the states as an opportunity cost in terms of the area. It will be a big incentive to states as well as a right step towards environment protection and sustainable development,” he said in a release.
From Agencies, Feature image courtesy mint
