SHILLONG, July 26 � DoNER Minister, Paban Singh Ghatowar today stated power was the �basic requirement� of the people and as a concerned citizen he is �for hydel projects.�
Ghatowar said: �as a concerned citizen I am for hydel power projects as these are perennial source of power generation. Moreover, hydel projects are eco-friendly and also economical.�
The Union Minister added, experts were on their job and it was after due consideration, concerning environment and people�s requirement, hydel project were being constructed.
�Power is the basic requirement of the nation and we have to harness nature�s resource. We need dams...,� Ghatowar, who was here to inaugurate an IIM-Shillong certificate course, said.
Ghatowar�s observation is significant as there has been protest in Assam and other parts of the region against construction of mega dams.
On the Gas Cracker Project, Ghatowar said, as DoNER Minister and also an MP from Assam, he is paying special attention and coordinating with the Prime Minister�s Office for completion of the project within the specified time frame.
Overall, Ghatowar said, his Ministry would lay stress on developing connectivity in the region as it is one of the major bottleneck towards development of the region. �Adequate infrastructures are being developed, but owing to climatic condition and remoteness of the region some of the projects have been delayed,� he said.
Moreover, the DoNER Ministry�s focus is also on developing the agriculture sector and recently Assam and Tripura has proved that the North East can improve its food grain production, he said.
Another key sector is tourism, and Ghatowar said, discussions were on with state governments to develop a tourism circuit for the region for faster growth of this crucial sector.
