CM Sukhu met Prime Minister in New Delhi and urged him to extend liberal financial assistance to Himachal Pradesh, along with the early release of long-pending dues. Emphasizing the state government’s vision of making Himachal Pradesh self-reliant by 2032, CM briefed the Modi on various initiatives underway in tourism, green energy, and power sectors.
During the meeting, the CM strongly advocated for the protection of Himachal’s rights in hydropower projects. He urged the Centre to fix a time limit for handing over projects, especially those under PSUs and CPSUs that have completed 40 years and recovered their costs. He also raised the issues of free royalty, enhanced royalty rates, and return of excess land associated with such projects.
Sukhu highlighted the state’s ambitious tourism expansion plans, including the Kangra Airport project, and also requested intervention to safeguard the interests of apple growers, particularly concerning the import of apples from Turkey and other countries.
Modi gave a patient hearing and assured sympathetic consideration of the issues raised, including the matter of imported apples. Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena also accompanied the Chief Minister during the meeting.
