Power and irrigation- Himachal Pradesh
Power and irrigation are the major problems facing the state. Although there is a tremendous potential for hydroelectric power, the state has been unable to exploit it fully because of lack of resources.
One of its schemes envisages construction of a dam, the highest in the world at an elevation of 11500 feet in Parvati valley at an estimated cost rupees 300 crores. There are also some other hydroelectric schemes which cannot only meet power requirements of the state but also produce a surplus for the national grid. The same cannot be said of irrigation. Because of the terrain there has to be lift irrigation, which is expensive and requires a lot of power, which the state can ill afford at the moment. Depending upon the availability of power, there are schemes to establish cement and newsprint industries. Fruit preservations is already a well established industry of the state. Spinning and weaving of wool is a cottage industry which needs to be improved and rationalized.
Shy and humble, the Himachalis do not have the aggressive of the plains people. Yet, sheer perseverance and hard work, they have asserted their individuality. It will not be long before these highly talented people make their mark as they did in the past, as artists of Pahari painting. Much has been written about the natural beauty and grandeur of this Himalayan state. Once it is opened through a network of motor able roads. It will no doubt become another tourist paradise like Kashmir. It is a tourist’s Dreamland.
On the first day of the fair, the idol of Raghunathji is ceremoniously enthroned on a colorfully decorated chariot which is pulled by pilgrims across the Dhalpur Maidan with the help of thick ropes. Many shops and booths mushroom here on the occasion of the festival. Shawls, blankets, costume jewelry and other local products are sold along with goods brought from the plains.
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