Water policy likely on dam water use

Tribune News Service

Shimla, February 14

The Vidhan Sabha on Thursday adopted a resolution to frame a policy on the hassle-free use of dam water for irrigation and drinking purposes.

The resolution was moved by Paonta Sahib MLA Sukh Ram Chaudhary under the Private Member’s Bill (proposed law) after the consensus emerged between the treasury and Opposition benches on the issue as NOC from outside agencies has impacted all schemes.

Hoshiar Singh sought a policy on the use of dam water. He told the House that the Pong Dam had affected 10 lakh people in the Kangra region and the state was still struggling to get royalty on its water from the BBMB.

IPH Minister Mahender Singh Thakur said he supported the resolution as Himachal had landed in a ticklish situation as they could not lift its own water from dams on the Sutlej, Beas, Yamuna and Ravi basins.

“We need an NOC from the BBMB, Punjab State Electricity Board and the FCA for getting clearance for water schemes. The schemes are delayed for years due to the long process”, he added.

“We can get water for Mandi, Kangra, Una, Hamirpur and Bilaspur through the gravity schemes from the water sources on the catchment area of the Shanan project, but we need NOC from PSEB as the project is under Punjab. If we remain in slumber, the Shanan project in Jogindernagar will slip away from our hands again as its agreement expires in 2025,” he said.

The Bill was passed after all members voted in favour of theresolution after the Speaker sought voting on it.