Himachal CM Urges PM Modi for Financial Aid, Raises Apple Import Issue and Hydropower Concerns
New Delhi, May 24:
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister today called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the national capital, seeking generous financial assistance for the state and early release of pending funds.
The meeting comes at a time when the hill state continues to grapple with economic recovery after last year's natural calamities and aims to strengthen its journey towards self-reliance by 2032.
During the interaction, the Chief Minister briefed the Prime Minister about the state’s ambitious vision of achieving self-reliance within the next decade.
“The state government is committed to launching new development schemes and strengthening ongoing ones to achieve this goal,” he said.
Key sectors such as tourism, green energy, and power were also on the agenda.
The Chief Minister advocated for safeguarding Himachal’s interests in hydropower projects and requested the Centre to fix a timeline for returning several projects to the state’s control.
Among the other pressing issues raised was the expansion of the Kangra airport.
The Chief Minister stressed the need for improved air connectivity to boost tourism and regional development in the lower hill regions.
In a significant move, he also flagged the concerns of apple growers, urging the Prime Minister to protect their interests in the wake of increasing apple imports from countries like Türkiye.
"Cheap imports are hurting our farmers. The Prime Minister assured us that the matter would be reviewed," he told reporters after the meeting.
Later in the day, the Chief Minister also attended the 8th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog, chaired by the Prime Minister.
During the meeting, he highlighted the unique developmental challenges faced by Himalayan states and reiterated the need for differentiated funding support and tailored policy measures for mountainous regions like Himachal Pradesh.
He sought more central support in the areas of climate resilience, disaster recovery, infrastructure, and sustainable tourism.
Sources said the PM responded positively and assured that the apple import issue would be reviewed on priority and that the other concerns raised would be considered sympathetically.
The visit reflects Himachal's ongoing efforts to secure central backing for key projects and policy support to help the state chart a resilient and self-sustaining future.
