Shimla, Oct 14 — Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu on Wednesday assured that a survey and a detailed project report (DPR) would be prepared for the construction of a tunnel beneath the Kunzum Pass in Lahaul-Spiti district.
He said the government was making efforts to construct the tunnel, which would provide better road connectivity throughout the year to local residents and tourists.
The Chief Minister announced that the Spiti Valley would be declared a natural farming area and the possibility of opening a college in Kaza town would be explored.
In addition, gynaecologists and medicine specialists would be appointed in Kaza.
He also assured that a survey would be conducted for the construction of a heliport in Kaza, which would boost tourism activities and benefit local residents.
Addressing a public meeting in Kaza during his two-day visit, the Chief Minister said the government would spend Rs 500 crore on Spiti’s development in the coming years.
The Sumdo-Kaza transmission line is targeted for completion within three years, at an estimated cost of approximately Rs 350 crore. The government was working towards doubling the income of the people of Spiti.
Chief Minister Sukhu said when he first visited the region on April 15, 2023, to celebrate Himachal Day, local residents had raised the issue of electricity shortage.
He said efforts to address the problem were now beginning to yield results on the ground. He added that approximately 42 per cent of Himachal Pradesh’s geographical area falls within cold desert regions.
The state government was paying special attention to the development of the populations living in these areas and allocating additional funds for their welfare.
The Chief Minister said the state government was continuously working for the welfare of its employees. He said the government would consider releasing an instalment of dearness allowance on Diwali.
He said the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) had been restored to provide employees with dignity and social security, and the government was considering bringing more employees under its coverage in the coming years.
He said the Central government had withheld Rs 1,600 crore, which Himachal Pradesh was to receive every year, because the state had implemented the OPS.