Nitish Kumar wants share in electricity from Bhutan

Patna, May 2: Ahead of his Bhutan trip, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today (May 2) demanded that the Centre sanction major chunk of the power being availed by it from Bhutan to the state.

Kumar said he would reach Bhutan on a three day-tour on May 4 at the invitation of the Bhutan King and Prime Minister.

Though his visit to Bhutan was nothing to do with the issue, the Centre should consider the state's demand, Kumar told reporters on the sidelines of his Janata Darbar programme here.

He said there were several hydel power projects which were set up following the support of Indian Government to Bhutan. I will personally visit some of the hydel power plants in Bhutan.

"There are vast potential for hydel power plants in India and the cultural and historic ties between the two countries are very strong ... Bihar too has sentimental relations with the Himalayan country as a lot of tourists from there visit Bodh Gaya, Rajgir and Nalanda," Kumar said adding he would discuss with Bhutanese authorities for facilitating more tourists.

Chief Minister said following the visit of Bhutanese Home Minister, the neighbouring country had identified a piece of land for a monastery in Rajgir.

Bihar Tourism Corporation would hold an exhibition in Bhutan, he said adding he would be accompanied by a delegation of officials from Energy, Tourism and Information and Public Relations departments during the proposed visit.

"I have also received invitation from China but the dates of the visit have not yet been decided," Kumar said.

PTI