Not to be published/broadcast  Before 8th December,   2008             

             The need for collective efforts for development of Hilly States has emerged as the need of the hour.  Concrete sincere and sustained efforts are underway since the BJP Government has always accorded priority to pursue mutual interest from a common platform for effective solution.

The conference of the Horticulture Ministers of Hilly States was organized at Shimla recently to take up the problems of the Hilly States more effectively with the Central Government. A Trans Himalyan Development Council would be constituted for the purpose keeping in view the common geographical condition and developmental needs of the hilly states.  

Trans Himalayan Development Council would also prove effective disseminating the information regarding various development schemes to the doorsteps to the people besides generating awareness among public regarding environment protection. 

Himachal Pradesh was keen to maintain cordial relations with neighboring States and efforts are afoot to take up issues of mutual interest with Punjab and Haryana Government. 

The Punjab Government has agreed to complete the construction work of Kurali-Siswan-Baddi road by June 2009, which would strengthen the road network in industrial belt besides facilitating the industrialist of Baddi-Barotwala –Nalagarh area in transporting their manufactured goods. 

The continuous efforts of the present Government have ultimately borne fruit to connect Baddi with the Mohali International airport through super highway besides constructing ropeways between Anandpur Sahib  & Shri Naina Devi. 

H.P. has decided to provide 300 MW electricity to Punjab during summer on the understanding that in return Punjab would ensure electric supply to the State during winter months, to mitigate the low voltage problem. 

Likewise Haryana Government has also extended its helping hand to cooperate with the State on developmental issues.  The Haryana Government has agreed to undertake the repair work of the Pinjore-Baddi road on the 18 kms long Pinjore Padwal stretch.  This would facilitate smooth vehicular movement on the road.  Himachal Pradesh is already ensuring the maintenance of roads across the border of other States to facilitate the vehicular movement. 

State Government is also pursuing the interests of the oustees of the Pong Dam in District Kangra in close cooperation with Rajsthan Government.  A high level committee would be constituted to settle the issues regarding land demarcation & allocation to the oustees. These historic initiatives would not only strengthen the interstate relations but also strengthen the unity & the integration of the Nation.