In the aftermath of the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) bold claims regarding the success of a recently concluded global investors' summit, the Congress has voiced substantial concerns and posed probing questions to the state government regarding the availability of land for industrial purposes in Uttarakhand.

Congress state unit president Karan Mahara cast doubt on the assertions made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who boasted of receiving investment proposals exceeding ₹3.5 lakh crores. Mahara's direct inquiry to the state government questioned the viability of land for industries in Uttarakhand, emphasizing that only 13% of the state's land has been designated for agriculture. He raised a crucial question: "Will the acquisition of land for industrial purposes involve taking land away from farmers?"

Additionally, Mahara expressed apprehension about the state's potential transformation into a wedding destination, as suggested by PM Modi. He pondered whether the state government would be willing to sacrifice numerous lush green trees to create a wedding destination amidst the mountains.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) became a focal point in Mahara's inquiries due to strict directives limiting new constructions in tourist hotspots like Mussoorie and Nainital. Mahara sought clarity on whether the NGT would approve the exploitation of mountains for new wedding destinations. He questioned whether the government, armed with a double engine majority, would introduce new ordinances to override existing environmental regulations.

Reminding the Prime Minister of past environmental concerns, Mahara harked back to a destination wedding in Auli in 2019 involving South Africa-based industrialists. He detailed the aftermath, citing heaps of filth and garbage. Environmentalists and the high court intervened, prompting the state pollution control board to report the disposal of 320 tonnes of garbage. During the four-day wedding extravaganza, 200 laborers staying in the resort faced challenges due to inadequate toilet facilities, leading to open defecation and the washing away of human waste into Dhauliganga with rainwater.

Referencing changes made to land laws after a similar investor summit in 2018, Mahara raised concerns about the Dhami government potentially tampering with the Zamindari Abolition and Land Settlement Act 1950. He questioned whether such changes would cater to the interests of capitalists and wealthy individuals coming from outside the state.

In response, BJP's state unit media in-charge, Manveer Singh Chauhan, dismissed Congress's concerns, stating that they were bewildered by the overwhelming response from investors in the global summit. Chauhan highlighted Prime Minister Modi's call to the rich class and industrial houses to support the "Wed in India" campaign, which garnered widespread approval.

Chauhan pointed out that even senior Congress leader and former CM Harish Rawat found the campaign commendable, considering it a good idea. However, he noted that the Congress state president disagreed. Chauhan argued that Uttarakhand boasts numerous beautiful and historic places suitable for organizing weddings. He emphasized that hosting weddings in the state could lead to increased employment opportunities, suggesting that Congress's criticism lacked logical explanation.

Himalayan Live Bureau

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