SHIMLA: The cooperation between the State of Himachal Pradesh and World Bank has been increasing by leaps and bounds since last few years as today World Bank has total portfolio of close to Rs 3160 crores. This was stated by the Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur while interacting with the team of World Bank led by its Regional Vice President (RVP), World Bank Hartwig Schafer at Oak Over in Shimla on Tuesday.
Chief Minister said that World Bank and Himachal Pradesh have long standing history of engagement and developmental cooperation and first Development Policy loan (DPL) of US $ 100 million was extended by the World Bank to Himachal Pradesh way back in September 2012 and was followed by second DPL of equal amount in 2014.
He said that the objective of the loans were to help the State to move forward on its path of inclusive and sustainable green growth. It helped the State to usher policy reforms in finance, power, watershed management, tourism and industry, he added.
Jai Ram Thakur said that five different programs in the roads, water supply, horticulture, forest and financial management sectors were going on in the State. He said that Green House Gases (GHG) inventory, first of its kind in the Country was worked out which helped the State to sharpen its policy focus towards green and sustainable development. He said that one program with total loan component of Rs 1500 crore for overall improvement of power sector is in the pipe line and loan agreement was expected to be signed by June 30 this year.
He said that carbon neutral economy powered by green energy abundant in the State would lead to maximization of returns/savings in different sectors which are namely agriculture, horticulture, tourism, forests, mobility, health, water, sanitation etc. otherwise vulnerable to climate change. In view of increasing foot print of transport sector in overall pollution matrix investment support for Traffic De-congestion in two Smart Cities namely Shimla and Dharamshala by way of Ropeways etc would also be a great help, he added.
He said that the State would be requiring investment, technical and knowledge support for clean and resilient infrastructure in energy sector, that is, solar, storage solutions especially pump storage and hydro etc. He said that with its huge renewable potential of 60 GW and empowered by the legacy of technical development the State has in important role to play in country’s energy transition goals.
He said that State would also be requiring investment, technical and knowledge support on sustainable forest catchments, payment on ecological services, climate smart agriculture and integrated water resources management for livelihood security.
Regional Vice President (RVP), World Bank Hartwig Schafer said that the World Bank has entered into a strategic partnership with the State Government. He said that he also visited the Shimla Water Supply Scheme site funded by the World Bank. He said that the since agriculture and horticulture were the main stay of economy in the State, the World Bank was also keen to assist the State in this sector. He said that emphasis must be laid on comprehensive policy of energy which could be mix of solar and hydro power energy.
