UPA lending huge economic support to JK: Omar; pitches for transfer of Dulhasti to J&K

KISHTWAR: Strongly advocating transfer of Dulhasti Hydro Electric Power Project to Jammu and Kashmir to enable it address increasing power supply demand and strengthen economy, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Tuesday said that bulk production of hydro power in the State is only way forward to ensure socio-economic welfare of the State.According to Global News Service, Chief Minister while addressing a public gathering said that optimum utilization of two great resources of ‘water and natural beauty’ possessed by Jammu and Kashmir could transform the economic and development scenario of the State.Omar Abdullah said that State Government with the help of Union Government is endeavoring to harness the rich hydro electric potential of the State. “We want to generate surplus electricity to supply it to other parts of the Country and lay strong edifice for the economic growth and welfare of the State”, he said and reiterated the State’s demand for transfer of Dulhasti HEP to Jammu and Kashmir. He said that State Government has already taken up this matter with the Union Government.“On this occasion, I would like to press the demand of the people of the State before the UPA Chairperson and Prime Minister for transfer of Dulhasti HEP to the State,” he said while thanking them for their highest support to Jammu and Kashmir for its holistic development.Omar Abdullah said that during the last 9 years UPA Government at the Centre under the Chairmanship of Sonia Gandhi has extended extra-ordinary economic support to the State. He lauded the keenness of Sonia Gandhi to see Jammu and Kashmir developing fast and sought her support for harnessing the vast hydro electric potential of Jammu and Kashmir.“At present whenever we feel financial requirements we come to the UPA Government led by Sonia Gandhi for support. We get it freely for the keen interest of Sonia Gandhi in the development of the State and its people,” he said adding that if a Government not friendly towards the State as UPA Government and Sonia Gandhi are, be at the helm at the Centre, Jammu and Kashmir will be in difficulty. “As such, we seek highest economic support from the UPA Government to establish our own power projects and stand firm on economic ground.”The Chief Minister also sought Rs 600 crore package for earthquake hit families of erstwhile Doda District and said the State Government has already submitted the proposal for this package to the Union Government. He also sought special component for land compensation under PP-2.Underlying the need for linking Doda, and Kishtwar districts with the Valley for economic welfare and round the year accessibility, Omar Abdullah sought Central funding for construction of Singhpora-Violo Tunnel. He said construction of this tunnel is of cherished desire of the people of the area and they are looking forward to the Union Government for financial support for the construction of this tunnel.While condemning the Monday’s terrorist attack on Army near Hyderpora Srinagar in which precious lives of soldiers were lost, the Chief Minister conveyed his sympathy to the bereaved families and the Army.Omar Abdullah said that the efforts of the Union and State Governments have yielded positive results on peace and development fronts adding that peace is gradually rooting in the State. “Some elements inimical to peace don’t want the situation to become conducive and people live a normal life. They are always in search of occasions to disturb tranquility”, he said and maintained that the people will isolate these elements and foil their attempts.The Chief Minister while referring to the benefits of Rs 6000 crore 850 MW Ratli HEP said the global bidding on tariff basis and participation of reputed power companies in the bidding has ensured transparency of the project being executed by the J&K State Power Development Corporation.Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Ghulam Nabi Azad also highlighted the benefits of Ratli HEP and said that it would enhance the economic activities in the area.Jammu and Kashmir Minister of State for Home Sajjad Ahmad Kitchloo, Parliament Members, Lal Singh, Ambika Soni and various J&K Ministers and Legislators were present on the occasion. (GNS)