Shimla, July 6 -- Union minister JP Nadda on Saturday raised concern over a circular issued by the Himachal Pradesh Pollution Control Board that requires the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to obtain annual permits, just like industrial units, resulting in "unnecessary procedural delays". Nadda, who was in Bilaspur for a review meeting, said while addressing mediapersons that he would speak to chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for an exemption. Nadda also pointed out that some critical projects are stalled due to pending approvals. The Sumdo-Kaza road project is awaiting forest clearance from the state government, while the Birhu to Lathiyani road project is facing delays due to pending land acquisition compensation and tree-felling permissions, he highlighted while urging the state government to resolve these issues on priority. According to Nadda, 25 national highway projects, covering a total length of 2,592 km, are being developed in Himachal Pradesh and these works are expected to be completed by 2028. Out of the 2,592 km, the work on 785 km would be executed by the NHAI, 1,238 km by the ministry of road transport and highways (MoRTH) and 569 km by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). The roads and projects would mostly be completed by 2026 and all works would be completed by 2028, said Nadda. These infrastructure projects would boost economic activities and tourism, he said. Regarding compensation and dredging, Nadda said the Centre remained open to dialogue and resolution, but the state must take the lead. Dismissing the claims that the Union government had not supported Himachal Pradesh, Nadda said , "We have already given Rs.1,700 crore as disaster assistance. Rs.1,000 crore has been spent. But the state has only used 21% of the Ayushman Bharat health budget and 24% of the health support funds." Nadda said, "An attempt is being made to create an environment in Himachal Pradesh that the central government is not paying attention to Himachal, but the fault lies with the state government which is unable to spend the money received from the centre." He said the CM had met him on May 25. He had requested for money from the JICA following which the Centre approved Rs.1,138 crore on June 30....