CM calls on PM, urges him to okay drug park

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, July 17

Himachal Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur today called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and urged him for Central assistance for projects in the state. He also discussed political issues, including the next Assembly elections, with the Prime Minister.

Thakur urged Modi to approve the state government’s proposal for a bulk drug and medical devices park. This would help in pushing industrialisation in the state, and help generate jobs, he said.

He urged Modi for financial assistance for the proposed airport at Nag Chala in Mandi district. The airport is a proposed greenfield airport to be built on 698 acres at Nag Chala. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) gave clearance to the project in May 2018.

Also, Thakur referred to Himachal’s efforts to boost its road network. He also apprised Modi of the state’s initiatives to check Covid spread, strict implementation of the protocols, and the vaccination drive. He said that due to scientific management of vaccines, there was no wastage.

Thakur invited the Prime Minister to inaugurate the 111 MW Sawara-Kuddu hydropower project and 210 MW Luhri stage-I project constructed by Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited. He also requested him to lay the foundation stone of 66 MW Dholasidh project in Hamirpur district. He later told reporters that he also discussed political issues with Modi.

Sources say that preparations for the next Assembly elections and the forthcoming byelections were also discussed. Earlier, the Chief Minister called on Union Information and Broadcasting, and Sports Minister Anurag Thakur. He said that Anurag’s elevation as a Cabinet minister was a matter of pride for the state. He discussed with the minister strengthening of the sports infrastructure in the state, especially the construction of an indoor stadium to help young sportspersons.