INDIA’S INTERNATIONAL MOVEMENT TO UNITE NATIONS

STUDY GUIDE
COMMITTEE: Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly
AGENDA: Resolving Transport And Irrigation Infrastructure
Concerns In The State
 MANDATE
The Himachal State Legislative Assembly is an elected body of representatives that are selected
through assembly elections. Currently, there are 68 members present in the legislative assembly
that are directly elected from single-member constituencies. The body has a tenure of 5 years
like other legislative assemblies unless the Governor of the state dissolves it on the
recommendation of the Chief Minister.Shri. Kuldeep Singh Pathaniai is the speaker. The Indian
National Congress is the ruling party in the Himachal Legislative. Shri Pratap Shukla is the
Governor, and Shri. Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is the Chief Minister of Punjab and the Legislative
Assembly leader. The leader of opposition is Jai Ram Thakur who is from the Bharatiya Janata
Party with 25 seats in the house.

INTRODUCTION
Himachal Pradesh is a state in Northern India that is quite famous for its captivating tourist spots
and adventure sports like ice skating, rafting, etc. and at the same time is also culturally a rich
state. But for the overall development of any area infrastructure is needed via which connectivity
and ease of life can be fostered. This can be understood by understanding the quote of former US
President John F Kennedy which says “American roads are not good because America is rich,
but America is rich because American roads are good” This tells us the importance of
infrastructure like roads, railways, air transport, etc. Moreover, being agrarian in nature irrigation
is also an important aspect of Himachal Pradesh as farmers need enough water in this world of
hybrid and heavily demanding crops. But in both of these regards, Himachal Pradesh is not in the
most positive situation. Let’s take a complete overview of the main reasons and challenges for
the existence of such a situation.

Geographical Conditions-Its Relation With Transportation and Irrigation In

The State
Himachal Pradesh is a northern state in India sharing its boundaries with Punjab, Haryana, J&K,
Ladakh, Uttarakhand, and Tibet. It comes in the region of the Himalayas and that’s why it has
such amazing sites for tourism, accompanied by snow. But while beautiful, the various valleys,
mountain ranges, etc. of Himachal are really hard to navigate, and advanced connectivity
networks are not a feasible option. Himachal has a deep and the most dense network of roads
among all the hill states as roads are the most reliable and practically feasible mode of
transportation, especially for reaching hilly areas. The government has made extra efforts to
create a cohesive transportation network and also runs an inter and intra-state bus service to help
people reach remote areas. Though Himachal has remarkable examples of irrigation systems like
that of the Kuhl Irrigation system in Kangra Valley which uses traditional community-managed
gravity flow irrigation, nearly 85% of Himachal farmers are fully dependent on rain. Moreover,
the world of farming has changed over the years wherein hybrid, fast-yielding crop varieties
have replaced indigenous ones and one needs a proper irrigation system to sustain these varieties
and fulfil the growing demand in the market as Himachal’s population is growing every day.

The Main Challenges faced.

Being a part of the Himalayan mountains puts Himachal in a tricky spot. The rugged topography
hinders the utilisation of land in general, transportation in such a case is a task far too great. At
the same time, it is also plagued with disasters like heavy rains, snowfall, landslides, etc. which
make the use of existing ways of transport difficult. The Himachal government has incurred
consistent losses in the context of transportation over the years due to these disasters. This
problem is amplified because of the increasing tourism and population that is consistently
increasing the demand for better transportation.
In the case of irrigation as well, holding the rainwater in a place is hard because in a place where
roads are hard to make dams, reservoirs, artificial lakes, etc. are harder. Moreover, the use of
groundwater is also not the most reliable asset as there is a need for laws to be enacted to
regulate its use as it is only found in the valley areas of the state which are not sufficient for
everyone. Still, efforts are being made to remedy this via the Balh Valley Medium Irrigation
Project but here nature itself is the biggest hurdle in the path.

HISTORY
India's first 5-year plan was initiated in the year 1951-1956 by the first prime minister of India
Pdt. Jawaharlal Nehru with the main aim was economic development in the country and bringing
in self-sufficiency in food production, accelerating industrial growth, and infrastructure, and
generating employment. The priority of the plan was agriculture and irrigation, transport and
communications, and social services third. The budget was Rs.2069 crores (later increased to Rs.
2378 crs) and the allocations of this amount were in 7 broader areas agriculture - 17.4%,
irrigation & energy- 27.2% rehabilitation 4.1%, industry 8.6%, transport & communications 24%
social services and other services 2.5%.
As the first five-year plan had put special emphasis on transport and irrigation, especially
focusing in the state of Himachal Pradesh, later in the 1960s several projects were taken over
like Kinnaur Highway (Hindustan Tibet National Highway), Shah Nehar Irrigation Project - each
playing a pivotal role in fostering connectivity and agricultural sustainability in the region

Kinnaur Highway Project (Hindustan Tibet National Highway)

The Kinnaur Highway Project also known as the Hindustan Tibet National Highway or the Silk
Route was a strategic vision of the Indian Government. This highway was built with hand tools,
without the help of modern machines, the workers had shown great dedication by manually
carving through rocky cliffs. This 500-km road project started from Ambala and ended az
Kaurik, this project aimed to establish a robust road network that connected the mountainous
region of Kinnaur with the rest of the country, also this road and passes through Shivalik Ranges,
Shimla, Kingal and runs along the Satluj river. Also, it is considered one of the world's deadliest
road networks in the state, and the construction of this was a milestone in infrastructure for
post-independent India. After the building of this network, the once isolated region due to its
territorial difficulty was connected with the country. This highway has been a remarkable
achievement for the transportation infrastructure of the state. But it remains closed for 6-7
months due to climatic conditions and heavy snow.

Irrigation Projects
In Himachal Pradesh the most remarkable example from the history of an irrigation system is the
Khul irrigation system, this system involves a sophisticated network of canals that are in a
crisscross form on the landscape, these canals utilise gravity for the flow of water, and reach
agricultural fields in a controlled and organised manner. The term Khul itself is derived from the
local dialect which signified the interconnected nature of these canals. These Khul harnessed
water from small streams and rivers and distributed it in the fields and the harvesting was
majorly dependent on this Khul system. In the present time, the government has tried to
construct these Khuls out of concrete. Though independence Government tried to bring some
major and minor irrigation projects since the 4 basic problems faced by farmers of Himachal
Pradesh are unfavourable land conditions, skilled labour, Yielding a variety of seeds, and most
importantly irrigation facilities, 81% of the cultivated area is rainfed, farmers have to be
dependent on rainwater due to lack of permanent sources of irrigation. However, the government
did take up certain important projects like the Giri irrigation project and the Shah Nehar
Irrigation Project. The first irrigation project of Himachal Pradesh was the Giri Irrigation Project,
Sirmour District was undertaken by the Irrigation and Public Health Department of Himachal
Pradesh. The project commenced in the year 1977-78 to cover 5263 hectares of land with an
estimated cost of Rs.4.16 crores. The project was finished in the year 1981-82 at a cost of
Rs.8.23 crs.

CURRENT SCENARIO
The current road network of Himachal Pradesh has 2592 Km of national highways, with there
existing 19 national highways at the moment and 69 approved national highways to be
constructed which would be 4312 Km in length. The NH authority of India has 5 four-lane
projects of which 2 are work in progress and the remaining 3 projects have their DPR (detailed
project report) under process.
Himachal Pradesh being nestled in the Himalayan region gets frequent heavy rainfalls which
lead to landslides, these landslides in the mostly hilly terrain of Himachal Pradesh cause an
obstruction in key transportation routes, which require constant repairs and maintenance.
Severe snowfall in winter disrupts the transport network, leading to the closure of roads and
affecting the movement of goods and people. The challenge lies in the timely clearance of snow,
especially in remote areas. Due to harsh winter weather conditions, power outages can occur due
to snow accumulation on power lines. This vulnerability in the electrical infrastructure can result
in severe blackouts. Such conditions drastically affect tourism and tourism-related businesses.
Since only 18% of the total geographical area of Himachal Pradesh comes under irrigation there
are not many major irrigation projects in the state, the only one being the Shah Nehar irrigation
project which after two and half decades still awaits its completion.1 which if completed will
provide 15,287 hectares of land for irrigation facilities. Another important such project is the
Chamera Dam project although comparatively smaller in size is primarily a hydroelectric project,
Chamera Dam on the Ravi River facilitates irrigation through canal networks, benefiting the
framers in the surrounding areas.
The HSP Shiva projects also known as the Himachal Pradesh State Government’s Shiva projects
are a series of initiatives that are aimed at harnessing water bodies for irrigation and hydropower
generation. The Primary objective of the HSP Shiva projects is to enhance the irrigation facilities
by constructing dams, reservoirs, and canal networks to optimise water utilisation for agricultural
purposes.

1
https://hpgeneralstudies.com/irrigation-projects-himachal-pradesh/
Shinku-La Tunnel, also known as Shinkula Tunnel or Shingo-La Tunnel is an important
infrastructure not only for Himachal Pradesh but also for the union territory of Ladakh. Being a
part of project Yojak the Shinku-La Tunnel got its final nod from the Union Cabinet on February
15, 2023, being built by the Ministry of Defence through BRO (Border Roads Organisation) and
will stretch up to 4.25 km at an altitude of 15,900ft. This project will make sure that military
movements become easier throughout the year. Otherwise, for five to seven months a year, both
Manali-Leh and Srinagar-Leh highways are closed due to heavy snowfall; this will make the
Manali-Leh route accessible all through the year.
Atal Tunnel is a highway built under the Rohtang Pass, it is located in the Pir Panjal range of the
Himalayas on the Manali-Leh highway in Himachal Pradesh. At a length of 9.02 km, it is the
longest tunnel constructed above 10,000ft in the world. Deriving its name from the former Prime
Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee saw its construction being completed in 2020 and was
inaugurated on 3 October. The tunnel plays a significant role in reducing the travelling distance
between Manali to Lahaul and Spiti Valley by 46 km and also reducing the travel time by 4 to 5
hours and now this distance can be covered in just about 15 minutes. The Atal Tunnel was the
first step towards providing all-year connectivity to Ladakh also making sure that farmers and
horticulturalists can have easy access to the capital of Delhi and other markets.
Nimmu-Padum-Darcha road (NPDR) also known as the Zanskar Highway is a still under
construction project connecting Himachal Pradesh to Ladakh. Being built by the BRO, just like
the Shinku-La Tunnel and the Atal Tunnel plans to reduce the travel distance and provide
all-season connectivity and also be an alternative route for the Indian Army reducing the distance
from Manali to Kargil by 522 km while also facilitating them with safe troop movement.

PROPOSED SOLUTIONS
To address the issue of infrastructure and irrigation in the state, the government needs to take a
comprehensive approach that encompasses the development of roads, railways, airways, public
transportation, modernization in irrigation methods, canal expansion, and rainwater harvesting.

Transport infrastructure
Investment in the development and maintenance of robust road networks is necessary in the
region as other modes of transport are not viable options, there also needs to be a smart traffic
management system in the difficult and narrow routes to curb accidents and increase the safety
level of the routes. Simultaneously construction of new railway lines is equally important
considering it is a cheaper mode of transport that will play a major role in connecting the
mainstream city with the remote areas of the state. Equal development is required in the airways,
and the construction of helipads is very necessary in rural areas to aid in emergency medical
services and disaster management. Some other Innovative approaches can include projects like
small-scale ropeway systems or drone deliveries for transportation of necessary goods in
challenging terrains.

Irrigation Infrastructure
Upgradation of infrastructure is essential for boosting agricultural productivity. Not just the
inclusion of precise irrigation systems like sprinklers and drip irrigation can improve water usage
and improve crop yield but also, the government should invest in Research and Development for
finding climate-resilient crops for sustainable agriculture in the region. Domestic rainwater
harvesting plants can be set up in rural areas for agricultural practices in the short run and in the
long run dams and reservoirs should be built on a large scale. Additionally, integration of the
lining of canals, to prevent seepage and losses is necessary.

Integrated Solutions
Irrigation and transportation are the key solutions for the overall development of the state of
Himachal Pradesh and for this having an integrated approach towards the development is a must.
Hence, some integrated projects or actions can include community engagement and capacity
building where water conservation practices and efficient use of transportation are taught to the
people in rural areas as well as the farmers practising harvesting and improvised transportation
with subsidies and incentives. Government and Private sector collaboration is also a necessary
step to expedite projects and bring in additional resources and expertise in infrastructure
development. Also, incentives can be provided to the private sector for the maintenance of the
infrastructure. Lastly, integrated AI and smart technology for the building, development, and
maintenance of both projects can be used to reduce costs and achieve smart technology goals in a
short period.
 SUGGESTED MODERATED CAUCUS
1. Discuss strategies to improve and expand the road network within the state
2. Discuss the role and importance of public transportation in the state of Himachal Pradesh
3. Analyse the first 5 years' plan and key takeaways from the projects
4. Address the balance between promoting tourism and managing the impact on local
infrastructure
5. Discuss the role of local communities in water management and irrigation projects
6. Discuss initiatives and projects undertaken by the government for water conservation and
resources
7. Discuss the importance of improving technology for transport and irrigation
8. Discuss the possibility of integrated transport and irrigation projects
9. Discuss the major difficulties faced by state farmers and how the can government solve
those
10. Discuss allocations of funds and budget for the development of roads and irrigation
facilities and the importance of annual reports or allocation of such funds.

RESEARCH LINKS
(Note: Delegates, some of the links are only meant for light reading and thus are not
highlighted, only refer to the highlighted sources as valid proof as others may or may not be
accepted as a source of proof in the Council. The decision of the Presiding Officer regarding
the acceptable sources are Final and Binding.)

1. https://planning.hp.gov.in/NewReleases/5thsfc_Jan2018.pdf
2. https://himachal.nic.in/WriteReadData/l892s/10_l892s/THE%20HIMACHAL%20PRAD
ESH%20ROAD%20INFRASTRUCTURE%20PROTECTION%202002-66659917.pdf
3. https://hppcb.nic.in/Publications/Env_Report.pdf
4. https://rajpatrahimachal.nic.in/openFile.aspx?id=19222&etype=Notice
5. https://www.niti.gov.in/sites/default/files/2019-01/Strategy_for_New_India_2.pdf
6. https://www.findevgateway.org/sites/default/files/publications/files/mfg-en-paper-inf
rastructure-for-agriculture-rural-development-in-india-need-for-a-comprehensive-p
rogram-adequate-investment-sep-2010.pdf
7. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/57a089a840f0b652dd000344/EoD_Consul
tancy_Report_30Oct2014_Harnessing_Hydropower_India_Case_Study.pdf
8. https://wrdarunachal.nic.in/assets/documents/guidelines/20plan%20(SIP)%20AP.pdf
9. https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/project-documents/53189/53189-002-iee-en.pd
10. https://www.niti.gov.in/sites/default/files/UrbanPlanningCapacity-in-India-16092021.pdf
11. https://www.niti.gov.in/sites/default/UrbanPlanningCapacity-in-India-16092021.pdf
12. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/097493062?icid=int.sj-abstract.citing-articles.3
13. https://hpshiva.hp.gov.in/cms/media/datja3uh/dea-dpr-hpshiva-6000ha-26sep2022.pdf
14. http://phdcci.in/file/thematic_pdf/Prospering%20Himachal%20Pradesh.pdf
15. https://morth.nic.in/sites/default/files/Basic%20Statistics%20in%20India-2018-19.pdf
16. https://www.jstor.org/stable/4371847
17. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/376648978_Sustainable_initiatives_of_Go
vernment_and_Non-Government_Organizations_in_Himachal_Pradesh_India
18. https://prsindia.org/policy/analytical-reports/state-agriculture-india
19. https://byjus.com/commerce/meaning-of-rural-development/
20. https://himachalpradeshtravel.com/watershed-protection-and-development-in-himachal-p
radesh/