World’s first geothermal CA store to be built in Kinnaur with Iceland’s help

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today announced that the world’s first controlled atmosphere storage facility (CA store) with geothermal technology would be constructed at Tapri in Kinnaur district in collaboration with Iceland. He presided over the closing ceremony of the four-day state-level Kinnaur Mahotsav last evening.

Sukhu said that the state government had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Iceland for the CA store. He added that a heliport and a sports complex would also be constructed in the district. The sports complex would be constructed at a cost of Rs 28 crore to keep the youth away from drug abuse.

The Chief Minister said that the government had made a provision of Rs 5 crore for the construction of an alternative road to Reckong Peo to spare people the inconvenience they face when the road remains blocked at landslide-prone Nigulsari.

He said that the Kinnaur Mahotsav was a reflection of traditional music, dance and art forms of the district. He lauded the people of Kinnaur for preserving and promoting their unique traditions. “Such festivals not only unite the community but also make people aware of the rich cultural heritage of the state. The state government is making efforts to preserve the rich culture of the state,” he added.

Sukhu said that the government was standing firmly behind all people, who were affected by the natural disaster last year, and had released a special relief package of Rs 4,500 crore for their rehabilitation. He added, “Development projects worth Rs 30.70 crore have been dedicated to this tribal district. These projects will help in the development of the area. My government is overhauling educational and health sectors by introducing various schemes.”

The Chief Minister said that his government had fulfilled five out of 10 guarantees that the Congress had given and it was being ensured that eligible people get the benefits of these schemes. He provided ownership rights to the poor and landless people of the district by giving them land leases under the Forest Rights Act, 2006. Later, the Chief Minister honoured the winners of various competitions organised on during the Kinnaur Mahotsav. Tribal Development Minister Jagat Singh Negi was also present on the occasion.

Rs 28 cr sports complex also to come up

• A heliport and a sports complex also to be constructed in Kinnaur district, says Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu
• The sports complex will be constructed at a cost of Rs 28 crore to keep the youth away from the menace of drug abuse
• Rs 5 crore to be provided for the construction of an alternative road to Reckong Peo to avoid landslide-prone Nigulsari