Himachal Pradesh assures Haryana of help in coping with power crisis

Shimla, Apr 13 (UNI) Senior officers of the power/electricity boards and corporations of Haryana and Himachal Pradesh are expected to meet soon to chalk out a strategy to cope with power crisis in Haryana particularly in the summer season.

This decision was taken at a meeting held here today between Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and his Himachal counterpart Virbhadra Singh. Haryana Power minister Vinod Sharma was also present at the meeting.

The meeting held in a cordial atmopshere discussed matters of mutual interests concerning both the states.

Mr Hooda requested Mr Singh to help his state in meeting the growing power needs due to speedy development taking place in Haryana. Acting swiftly Mr Singh asked Kanwar Shamsher Singh, Chairman, Himachal Pradesh Electriticy Board to impress upon Power Trading Corporation of India (PTC) to give preference to Haryana in the supply of power in the coming months.The HP government had sold all powere rights to PTC.

Mr Sharma suggested that a tripartite agreement be signed between PTC, Himachal Pradesh and Haryana Power Boards for the regular supply of power to Haryana.

On his part the Himachal Chief Minister asked Mr Hooda to help in the speedy clearance of construction of Kalka and Pinjore bye-pass as these were the entry points to the hill state and were at present very congested. Mr Hooda assured Mr Singh that Haryana was very serious about this project and the two states should jointly meet the Union Surface Minister T R Ballu for getting this project cleared soon.

Mr Hooda also agreed to the widening and improving of Baddi-Chandigarh road in view of problems being faced by the residents of that area.

UNI HS PR RS1710