CM promises to protect environment at any cost

Shimla, Jun 23 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh will not permit construction of the hydro electric projects and the proposed ski village at the cost of its environment since it is committed for the protection of its environment, flora and fauna.

The state government would not let commericial activities affect its environment at any cost, he told a high level delegation led by noted environmentalist Sunder Lal Bahuguna, who called on him here today on his 74th birthday.

Mr Singh said carton packing cases had been introduced to protect the state's forest wealth and now none of the apple and other fruit growers were using the wooden boxes since the card board boxes were more attractive and marketable qualities liked by the consumers.

The sttae government had abandoned hydro electric projects of 460 MW in Kinnaur and Kullu districts keeping in view the effect on the environment, flora and fauna, in the valleys, he said.

He said the projects would only be allowed on the basis of run of the river and no dam storage projects would be permitted.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Bahuguna said he had toured various projects and areas to take stock of the impact on the environmental due to the projects and allied activities and was of the view that it should be protected at any cost.

He also underlined the need for the Himalayan Policy for the protection of the environment in the Himalayas.

UNI