HP to safeguard interests of people affected by hydel projects: CM

Shimla, Dec 13 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh today asserted that the new power policy of the state would provide adequate relief and rehabilitation package to people affected by the hydel projects in the state.

The government would safeguard the interests of the people affected by the hydel projects besides strictly implementing the laws for preserving the ecology of the region, he told a delegation, lead by Chipko Movement Convenor Kulbhushan Upmanyu, who called on him here.

Referring to the agitation against the setting up of the 1,000 MW Karcham Wangtoo hydel project in Kinnuar district, Mr Singh said directions have been issued to the company executing the project to provide adequate relief and rehabilitation package to the people of the area.

He said the previous state government had signed an MoU with the company and the work started after the Congress government came to power in March, 2003.

The project authorities were bound by the MoU to provide people employment and self-employment avenues to the local people besides maintaining cordial and friendly relations with them.

Appealing to the people of the region to cooperate with the government in maintaining law and order around the project area, he said local problems could be settled by discussion among the locals, state government and the company.

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