Himachal CM gives memorandum to PM

Himachal Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh today submitted a 13-point memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking among other things a special compensation grant of Rs 1000 crore forpreserving forests.
In the memorandum, submitted during the Prime Minister's brief visit here, Singh also sought speedy environment and forest clearances for all hydropower and other projects as 66.5 per cent of total area of the state is under forests.
He also wanted increased power to the hill states like Himachal to divert forest land for hydropower projects, roads, water supply and irrigation schemes.
The demands for resumption of commercial flights from Shimla, reversion of surplus SJVNL land to Himachal Pradesh for engineering college at Kotla(Jeori) and inclusion of Himachal as wholetime member in BBMB (Bhakra Beas Management Board) are also included in the memorandum.

The memorandum said that Himachal suffered high distress due to submergence of 103425 acres of fertile land due to Bhakhra project and 65563 acre because of Beas projects.
It further demanded that NPV (Net Present Value) cost in PMGSY project be borne by the Government of India. It pointed out that at present, the state is required to deposit Compulsory Acquisition (CA) and NPV in lieu of diversification of forest land for construction of roads which issubstantial.
During the last three years, the state has deposited Compulsory Acquisition and NPV amounting to Rs 60 crore.