Ski village in present form not acceptable: Dhumal

  • 12/02/2008

  • Indian Express (New Delhi)

Shimla, February 11 : It seems the $300 million Himalayan Ski Village project in Himachal Pradesh is heading for some real trouble. A day after his visit to Manali, Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal said the project lacks transparency. "We will take into account all aspects, including its clearance from the Union Ministry of Defence, Environment and Forests before giving the go- ahead to the project.' Addressing the mediapersons, the Chief Minister said, "No international bidding was invited for the project. What's more, the project has not undergone an environment impact assessment. "A PIL against the project is also pending before the High Court and the Government will take into account all aspects before a final decision. We will not decide on the project without going for open tenders.' The project's fate continue to hang in the balance after the state HC stayed the execution work last year following a PIL filed by an NGO and some local residents. Regarding the need for an expansion of the railway network in Himachal, the Chief Minister said he has sent a proposal to the Centre seeking extention of the Delhi-Chandigarh Shatabadi train upto Una and introduction of a new Shatabadi between Delhi and Pathankot for tourism promotion. "Since the railway budget is expected in a few days, I hope the Union Railways Minister will include some of the proposals, including the Bhannupalli-Bilaspur broad gauge line.'