Himachal seeks more water from Yamuna river

New Delhi, Apr 12 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh has requested the Centre to increase its water share in Yamuna river to meet the growing drinking water supply demands of Shimla and Solan towns.

Speaking at the Third Upper Yamuna Review Committee meeting here today, state Irrigation and Public health Minister K S Thakur said at present Himachal was drawing 0.2427 billion cubic metre water against its allocation of 0.378 billion cubic metre from Yamuna basin.

Besides, HP's growing needs should be kept in mind and the state's share should be increased keeping in mind its future demand, he added.

The minister called for central assistance to construct sewerage treatment plants at Solan and Paonta Sahib towns in the state to sustain the flow in Yamuna river and also asked for central funding for constructing check dams at appropriate places for checking the flow of silt in the river.

Saying that HP had agreed to share the construction cost of the Lakhwarvyasi and Kishau dams, he demanded a share in the power generated by the dams during the lean season.

Mr Thakur informed that the state government had filed an application before the Central Empowered Committee regarding the submergance of 49 hectares of a sanctuary due to construction of the proposed Renuka dam.

The National Board for Wildlife had cleared the project imposing ''impossible'' conditions, he said and added that the matter had been discussed with appropriate authorities and a review application had been filed after making certain amendments in the dam's construction plan.

The state government would start work on Renuka dam after getting the necessary clearnaces from all the concerned agencies and meeting the conditions laid down by them, he assured.

Delhi government would also provide financial assistance to Himachal for construction of the dam.

UNI IP MSJ RS1945