Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], June 28 : Himachal Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu visited the remote tribal region of Bara Bhangal in Kangra district to assess the damage caused by recent natural calamities, a release said.
He interacted with the local residents and listened to their concerns and grievances and directed the officers to ensure the timely redressal.
The Chief Minister inspected the flood-affected areas and reviewed the ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts.
Stressing on the need to expedite road connectivity to Bara Bhangal, he directed officials to invite separate tenders for each kilometre of the proposed road to accelerate construction, it added.
He also discussed the feasibility of transporting construction machinery by air and announced the release of Rs 10 crore for the construction of the Bara Bhangal road, it added.
To ensure uninterrupted supply of electricity, the Chief Minister held detailed discussions with local residents.
Assuring residents of an alternative power supply until road connectivity is established, he announced the provision of one diesel generator each for Upper Bara Bhangal and Lower Bara Bhangal.
He also discussed the possibility of reviving the flood-damaged hydropower project and exploring solar energy projects for the region.
Responding to the demand for mobile connectivity services, the Chief Minister assured residents that the government would engage with private telecom companies to commence mobile services in the area at the earliest.
He also directed the officers to identify suitable forest land for promoting tourism activities, especially eco-tourism, and reiterated the government's commitment to developing Bara Bhangal as a tourist destination.
To strengthen healthcare services in the remote region, the Chief Minister said local residents would be trained to provide primary healthcare support so that immediate medical assistance could be made available within the community.
Addressing a public gathering, the Chief Minister said he had come to Bara Bhangal not for any political gains, but to understand and share the hardships faced by the people of the area.
He remarked that if "politics had been his objective", he would have visited more densely populated areas. Instead, he said, his government's priority was to ensure that development reaches even the remotest corners of the state.
He added that while policies can be formulated in Shimla, "understanding the real challenges" faced by people requires visiting them on the ground, it added.
The Chief Minister assured residents that the government would declare Bara Bhangal a natural farming panchayat, make efforts to secure Scheduled Tribe status for the region and increase the foodgrain quota at the local ration depot. He also said the government would explore the construction of protection walls to safeguard the area against floods.