Kangra: Hydroelectric Project Managers Given One Month to Finalise Lease Deed
Dharamshala, March 2 – To speed up the completion of formalities regarding hydroelectric projects in Kangra district, Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa has ordered the managers of such projects to complete their lease deeds within a month. Bairwa also warned that action would be initiated against officials responsible in case deadline is missed by them. He said so during a review meeting of Local Area Development Authority (LADA) on Saturday.
The meeting, which was held to review development projects in the region, also discussed several other issues geared towards improving public welfare and infrastructure. Bairwa emphasized the need for timely project completion to ensure continuous operation of hydroelectric projects and the consequent benefits to local communities.
Currently, there are 28 hydroelectric projects operating in the Kangra area itself, and they meet a significant portion of the energy demand in the region. But as Bairwa said, it has been noticed that many of these projects still haven’t completed the lease deed formalities, which is critical for the right allocation of funds for local development. The district officials have raised alarm over the delay in the matter, such a delay would impede financial contributions towards Local Area Development Fund (LADA) to run numerous public welfare projects in the area.
Bairwa also pointed out the urgency of the hydroelectric projects depositing fund data in the Local Area Development Authority as per their agreement, in addition to the lease deed deadline. These funds are meant for development works like road construction, sanitation as well as other public infrastructure development. Hydroelectric projects that have not fulfilled their payments must make the respective payments without delay, he pointed out.
The Deputy Commissioner directed the District Revenue Officer and the Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) of Dharamshala, Palampur and Shahpur to furnish detailed reports on the status of the lease deeds and LADA funds as to what action has been taken or should be immediately taken. These will help regulate the development works in the affected areas and timely adherence to regulations.
The Panchayat Pradhans of Kangra were also directed by Bairwa to complete pending development projects in the area under the Local Area Development Fund. The Panchayat heads were also asked to give priority to the construction works with the development of the public. Further, Bairwa stressed on ensuring quality work in these schemes and directed Panchayat heads to submit a no-objection report after project completion, which unlock fund for new projects.
It was also announced during the meeting that development projects to the tune of Rs. 2 crore 36 lakh have been sanctioned in the Baijnath, Dharamshala and Palampur areas. Later, new development works costing Rs. 2 crore 90 lakh were sanctioned for this year. The district aimed at stimulating growth through a series of new infrastructure development projects.
District Planning Officer Alok Dhawan also spoke to the attendees and explained the work done and the management of the Local Area Development Fund and discussed how cooperation between local authorities and managers of hydroelectric project is important.
Officials attending the meeting also included ADC Vinay Kumar, SDMs of Dharamshala, Palampur and Shahpur, heads of the local Panchayats and hydroelectric project managers, who were asked to collaborate to achieve the development objectives of the district.
It is anticipated that this will reduce administrative overhead for hydroelectric project operations and support the energy sector and local communities.
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