CM Calls for Scientific Studies on Water Evaporation, Glacier Melting; Reviews Energy Sector Projects.
Shimla:
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu yesterday called for comprehensive scientific studies on water evaporation from dams and reservoirs as well as the melting of glaciers, citing growing environmental concerns and their possible impact on climate patterns and disaster management in the State.
Chairing a review meeting of various departments and undertakings associated with the energy sector, the Chief Minister directed officials to undertake a thorough assessment of water evaporation from dams and reservoirs during the summer season. He expressed concern over the increasing levels of haze reported in several cities across the State and emphasized that a scientific evaluation of this phenomenon was the need of the hour.
The Chief Minister stressed the importance of examining whether there is any correlation between water evaporation from reservoirs and the rising incidents of cloudbursts in the region. He said that understanding such links through scientific studies would help the government formulate effective mitigation and adaptation strategies.
CM Sukhu also instructed the concerned departments to analyze the rate of glacier melting in Himachal Pradesh and assess its implications for flood management. He observed that accelerated glacier melt poses a serious threat to the ecological system and disturbs the natural environmental balance, potentially increasing the risk of floods and other climate-related disasters.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister reviewed the progress of various ongoing construction projects in the energy sector and issued necessary directions to ensure their timely completion. He held detailed discussions on the implementation of smart meters and directed officials to carry out feeder billing mapping to improve efficiency and transparency in power distribution.
Highlighting the achievements in the power sector, CM Sukhu informed that the completion of construction work on 13 hydroelectric projects has significantly strengthened the State’s power generation capacity, adding 1,229 megawatts to the grid.
Principal Advisor to the Chief Minister Ram Subhag Singh, Advocate General Anup Rattan, Secretary to the Chief Minister Rakesh Kanwar, along with senior officers from various departments, were present at the meeting.
