"Steps are afoot to boost power production. Gauri Ganga and Dhauliganga power projects will soon start production. A panel set up to prepare a report on the pending power projects of the state will soon submit its report," he told reporters.
If these pending hydel projects get clearance from the Environment and Water Resources ministries, then the state will become self-sufficient in terms of power, Bahuguna said adding, efforts are also underway to launch gas-based power projects in Uttarakhand.
An Environment Impact Assessment Authority is being created in the state which will simplify the process of getting environmental clearance for stone crushing and quarrying projects along riverbeds, the Chief Minister said.
Clearance for the first phase of quarrying in Kosi, Sharda, Dabka and Gola rivers in Uttarakhand is likely to be granted soon by the Union Ministry of Forest and Environment, he said.
