He said that the state would spend ₹ 500 crore on Spiti’s development in the coming years. Himachal Pradesh chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has assured that a survey will be conducted and a detailed project report (DPR) will be prepared for the construction of a tunnel beneath Kunzum Pass.
In addition, gynaecologists and medicine specialists would be appointed in Kaza.
The CM said that Spiti valley would be declared a natural farming area and said that the possibility of opening a college in Kaza would be explored. He said that a survey would be conducted for the construction of a heliport in Kaza, which would boost tourism activities and benefit local residents.
He was interacting with students of a CBSE school in Kaza in Lahaul and Spiti district. During the interaction, a student informed the CM that there is a shortage of a cook, cleaning staff, and a female warden at the hostel. The Sumdo-Kaza transmission line is targeted for completion within three years, at an estimated cost of approximately ₹ 350 crore. He said that approximately 42% of Himachal Pradesh’s geographical area falls within cold desert regions. “However, during the previous BJP government’s tenure, only 35% of the sanctioned staff positions were filled in the state’s medical colleges and other healthcare institutions. Under the present government’s efforts, staffing levels had increased to 70%,” he said.
He said the state government was working towards doubling the income of the people of Spiti. “The state government was paying special attention to the development of the populations living in these areas and allocating additional funds for their welfare,” he said. The CM 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 the occasion of Diwali. Sukhu said Union health minister Jagat Prakash Nadda had questioned the state government’s expenditure on healthcare services.
Addressing a public meeting in Kaza during his two-day visit to Spiti valley on Wednesday, the CM said the state government was making efforts to construct the tunnel, which would provide better road connectivity throughout the year to local residents and tourists. The government would introduce moral education in the school syllabus from the next academic session, Sukhu said in Spiti on Wednesday.
