Bungling in Shimla MC to be probed

Giving this information in a written reply to a question of Rikhi Ram Kaundal and Parveen Sharma (both BJP), the CM said while a loan of Rs 691 crore was raised by the government in 1994-95 the same almost doubled ie Rs. 1,101 crores in 1995-96. Similarly, in 1996-97, the government raised loans up to Rs 936 crore and the previous year, 1997-98 the government opted for loans of Rs 1,178 crore. The institutions involved for various types of loans included National Cooperative Development Corporation, Government of India, National Insurance Corporation and market borrowing.

Intervening on another question of Parveen Sharma, the CM announced that an inquiry would be held into specific complaints on irregularities in leasing out of properties and land belonging to the Shimla Municipal Corporation.

The House expressed serious concern over rise in pollution in the industrial areas of Baddi and Barotiwala. The Chief Minister, sharing the concern declared that the government would take stern action against the industrial units causing air and water pollution in the area. The issue was raised by Lajja Ram, a sitting MLA from the area, who alleged that pollution had increased to such an extent that there was an outbreak of some epidemic and crops irrigated by farmers with water from Sarsa river had suffered heavy loss.

Dhumal announced that fresh directions would be issued to the authorities to survey the impact of the pollution and take remedial measures to protect human lives. He said the possibility of covering the Sarsa river at certain points would also be examined.

During question hour, Dhumal also came to the rescue of Transport Minister Krishan Kapoor, who had not come properly prepared to the House. He pacified the members on issue of rise in road accidents and assured that all measures would be taken to ensure safety of those travelling on roads.

On a question of Hari Narain Saini, the CM denied atrocities committed against a particular IPS officer belonging to the Scheduled Caste community. He informed the House that the officer in question had been reinstated following directions from Central Administrative Tribunal. The government had also sought advise from the National Commission for SCs and STs for follow up action.

Since there was no ground for registration of a case on a complaint which the officer had lodged with the commission. While Dhumal was replying to the question, former speaker and sitting Congress MLA counselled the CM not to encourage indiscipline in the services by dealing with the case.

In reply to a question of G S Bali (Cong), the CM denied his charge that staff from PWD and IPH departments had been retrenched.