Vikramaditya Singh hits back at BJP over fuel cess

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Shimla, August 12

Himachal Pradesh Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh on Wednesday hit back at the BJP over its opposition to the increased cess on petrol and diesel, saying the party should first answer for the rise in fuel prices across the country.

The minister said international crude oil conditions had affected the price and availability of bitumen, creating difficulties in road tarring work in Himachal Pradesh. He said the cess imposed by the state had to be viewed in the context of the prevailing circumstances.

Singh also questioned the Center over E20 fuel and ethanol blending, saying it was affecting vehicle mileage and causing inconvenience to motorists. He demanded that the BJP take responsibility for these issues as well.

On the monsoon situation, Singh said around 312 roads were currently closed across the state. The government had set a target of restoring 195 roads by August 12, while efforts were being made to reopen around 70 more roads over the following two days.

Around 600 machines, including Poclains, JCBs and other equipment, have been deployed across the state for restoration work, he said. Bailey bridges have also been kept on standby for emergencies.

The minister said priority was being given to restoring roads in horticulture areas to ensure smooth transportation during the ongoing apple season.

He said funds received under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF), and Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) were being allocated to different divisions according to requirements. Around Rs 225 crore under PDNA had already reached the state, he said.

Singh also said directions had been issued to complete the tendering process for the Chhaila-Neripul-Yashwantnagar road within the next 15 to 30 days, allowing construction work to begin after the monsoon.