NEW DELHI, May 23: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu met with three Union ministers on Thursday to press for Central assistance in healthcare, hydropower and tourism development in the hill state.
In his meeting with Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, Sukhu sought support for strengthening the state’s health infrastructure under flagship schemes like Ayushman Bharat and the National Health Mission. “We urgently need a dedicated cancer care centre and modern equipment in our hospitals to improve patient care,” Sukhu told the minister, while also urging a relaxation in eligibility norms and the early release of pending funds.
Nadda assured the Chief Minister that the Centre would extend all cooperation to meet Himachal’s health needs.
Later, in a meeting with Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil, Sukhu raised key concerns about water resource projects. He specifically pushed for the protection of Himachal’s rights in the Kishau hydroelectric project and demanded that the entire financial burden of the project be borne by the Centre or major beneficiary states like Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
He also flagged pending issues related to the Renuka Dam, calling for a fair Local Area Development Fund and adequate compensation for the environmental and social impacts of hydropower projects. “While these projects are vital for the nation, the rights of contributing states like Himachal must be upheld,” he said. Sukhu also requested early release of funds under the Jal Jeevan Mission.
Sukhu later met Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat to seek expedited approvals for the development of Auhar, Dehra, and the Pong dam as major tourist destinations. He asked for inclusion of these projects under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme and the Special Scheme for Capital Investment in tourism infrastructure. He also called for exploring private investment opportunities in the state’s tourism sector.
Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena and senior officials accompanied the Chief Minister during the meetings.
