Ritesh Arya, a groundwater expert, today urged the Himachal Pradesh government to explore the possibilities of tapping geo-thermal energy, uranium deposits, and oil and natural gases to make the state economically sound.

Speaking at a meet organised by the Department of Environment Protection, Arya said HP has potential to generate geo-thermal energy at Tattapani (Shimla) and Manimahesh (Kullu), besides using the spots as tourism attractions.

He was surprised that no detailed mapping of state has been done for exploration of mineral and natural gas resources. The state has deposits of uranium and gold, beside other valuable minerals. The exploration for oil and natural gas had started at Jawalji, but was abandoned abruptly. There is need to revise the work, he suggested.

Arya, who has worked in the state’s IPH Department as a hydrologist, has now specialised on groundwater and geological issues. He is now working with the defence forces at Leh for exploration of groundwater.

Arya disagreed that global warming spell doom for the biosphere. The climactic change, he said, has created new opportunities for countries like India to reap the benefits. He suggested a 14-point programme called WASSHED to ensure quality drinking water by involving schoolchildren at the primary level. He asked the government to take strict action against industrialists for polluting water sources.

Arya recommended that all water bodies be declared a national heritage, and those polluting these sources be penalised.