Will Modi Develop Himachal?

epaperannithisweek.in---Shivraj Sharma Chavinder Sharma Press Club Anni

Will Modi Develop Himachal?

             Cover Story

During run up to the Lok Sabha election, Narendra Modi had addressed four election rallies in Himachal, one each in four parliamentary constituencies of the state. Striking a chord with people of Himachal he had assured to solve various problems confronting different areas of this hilly state once the BJP led government assumes power in the Centre. Now, the Centre will have Narendra Modi led national Democratic Alliance (NDA) government. The Centre and Himachal have government of different parties though the hilly state did not benefit much during the 10 year rule of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government at the Centre. Himachal has not received any big package from the Centre after the then Atal Bihari Vajpayee led NDA government. Not only this, the Centre did not pay any heed in Himachal’s concerns during past one and a half year before Lok Sabha election, and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party raked this as an issue. Himachal is hoping that Modi government would fulfill aspirations of common people by solving state’s pending issues speedily on the pattern of other states. Himachal is reeling under a debt of Rs. 29,000 crore and Himachal’s many mega projects are pending. The biggest issue is of state’s share in Bhakhra Beas Management Board (BBMB) projects as state is yet to get its due despite directions from the Supreme Court. Stand taken by Modi government can solve state’s problem on this aspect. Himachal’s dwindling economy can get a big boost if gets green bonus if Modi government announces separate package for Himalayan states.

Are Good Days Ahead?

According to the BJP announcements, good days are ahead. It remains to be seen whether Himachal will have good news on its pending issues or face political squabble. Earlier Dhumal government had been accusing Congress leaders of obstructing developmental projects being forwarded by the state for approval.

Industrial Package 

Atal Bihari Vajpayee led NDA government had granted special industrial package to Himachal with relief on central excise duty that attracted investors to set up their industrial units in a big way.  Himachal can progress in industrialization rapidly if the Centre’s new government shows its seriousness on this issue.

Himachal Lacks Connectivity

This hilly state is lagging because of poor air connectivity as compared to Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir or any other state. Himachal doesn’t have a big airport that creates hurdles in promotion of industrialization and tourism sectors. Himachal has failed to develop high end tourism primarily due to poor air connectivity.  It will be acid test for Modi government to come up to expectations of Himachal that has fully supported him.

Mono Rail or Rapid Transport System

The government has planned Mono rail project for Shimla and Dharamshala but Urban Development Minister Sudhir Sharma says that Centre is serious in implementing rapid transport system as many states have shown willingness for it. It is possible to introduce new technique at both the places to reduce traffic congestion, he added.

Heli Taxi Scheme for Tourism

Heli-taxi scheme was launched two years ago to boost tourism but could not succeed as it was expansive. Three out of five companies had agreed to run heli-taxis in Himachal but they had to be diverted towards religious places of the state though tourist destinations and 57 helipads were identified under the scheme. The Congress government has now initiated steps to revamp this scheme by making it less expensive and two meetings have already been held on the issue.

Himalayan Regiment

The BJP while in power in Himachal had been raising the issue of establishment of a Himalayan Regiment with the Centre. The problem was that different parties were ruling in Himachal and in Centre. Now the state faces similar situation but it can go a long way in removing unemployment if Modi fulfills his assurances to establish a Himalayan Regiment.

Financial Package

Himachal never got special package from the Centre after Atal Bihari Vajpayee government. Even different yardsticks were adopted while providing disaster relief to Himachal and Uttarakhand. It seems Prime Minister Relief Fund has been closed for this hilly state.

Will Development get Impetus?

Personal rapid transit (PRT) system pods project mooted by the Urban Development Department for Dharamshala and Shimla was sent to the Centre. On the other hand many other projects related to rural development are also awaiting clearance. Himachal will be curious to know the stand taken by the new government in the Centre.

Limited Use of PPP Mode

Public-Private-Partnership mode has been restricted to construction of bus stands only in Himachal. Efforts were made in PPP mode for Naina Devi Ropeway Project but this was shelved by the new government in the state. Previous Dhumal government had constituted Special Purpose Vehicle but this project is still pending. PPP mode has not been introduced in any other sector so far.

 Mega Projects Still a Distant Dream

Mega projects in Himachal are dumped at a speed faster than they are envisaged. Not even a single mega project has been implemented in Himachal, thanks either due to indifferent attitude of the Centre of politicking in the state. Development of industrial and tourism sectors is going at a snail’s pace due to lack of political and lethargic bureaucratic approach. Projects worth crores of rupees announced for Pong Reservoir is yet to be implemented because of Centre’s neglect coupled with failure of state officials to plead the case strongly as the government kept on changing in Himachal. Though schemes funded by Asian Development Bank are being implemented but Rs. 1500 crore project for Pong Reservoir that could have revolutionized tourism in the area could not be translated into realty.Ski Village project is being talked about for the past 10 years but could not be implemented reportedly due to pressure from local people and environmentalists. This project is again in limelight but the official sources deny having received any proposal from the concerned company. The previous Congress government had signed MoU with the company for Ski Village Project but it has been delayed due to various reasons including opposition from locals, permission held due to lack of requite NOCs and others. There have been claims and counter claims on its impact on the environment but experts feel that this could boost tourism sector immensely, especially high end tourism.

Other Pending Projects

* Indoor Ice-skating Rink in Shimla

* Nine projects prepared for investors by Tata Consultancy in 2004 Tourism Conclave including five star hotels, resorts, medical tourism, amusement parks, Ramsar site in Pong area and others

* Joint project of Tourism Department and Railways for running Rail car

* Promotion of paragliding sites to promote adventure tourism

* Mono Rail project for Shimla

Heavy Administrative Machinery

Though the state is facing financial crunch, Himachal has big administrative set up.  Even as there are reports of shortage of officers but it is because most of them remain on Central deputation.

*  147 IAS   *  206 HAS      * 110 IFS

Industrial Policy on Anvil

It picked up pace after 2003 after central government announced a special package for Himachal. The state government has now chalked out a scheme for the benefit of new industries being established in Himachal. A new industrial policy will also be announced shortly that will decide the direction and pace of industrial development in this hilly state.

* Growth rate of the state estimated at 6.2% and per capita income estimated at Rs. 92,300 during 2013-14

* The agriculture sector in the state generates about 15% of the total Gross State Domestic Product

* Apple constitutes about 89% of total fruit production that was 8.28 lakh tones in 2013-2014

* 161.64 lakh tourists visited Himachal during 2012