From polythene ban to Dharamshala cricket stadium: Tracing ex-CM PK Dhumal’s contributions to Himachal

Dharamshala: As supporters mark Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal’s 81st birthday, the former Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh continues to be remembered as one of the most impactful political leaders in the state’s history.

Emerging onto the Himachal Pradesh political scene in the late 1980s, Dhumal served as the Chief Minister for two terms (1998–2003 and 2007–2012), leaving behind a legacy of infrastructural progress, environmental leadership and political resilience.

Born at Samirpur in Hamirpur district, Dhumal’s academic grounding and grassroots connect enabled him to rise steadily within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). His vision reshaped key sectors in the state and positioned Himachal Pradesh on a new growth trajectory.

Industrial growth, education reforms

The government led by Prem Kumar Dhumal had laid the groundwork for a significant industrial expansion, especially in the Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh (BBN) region. The central industrial package during his first term led to the establishment of hundreds of units, boosting employment and strengthening the state’s economy.

Parallel to industrial growth, Dhumal also focused on education, particularly in rural and remote areas. New institutions, better infrastructure and increased accessibility helped bridge longstanding gaps in the education sector.

Banning polythene was his initiative

One of Prem Kumar Dhumal’s most applauded initiatives was the state-wide ban on polythene bags. At the time, it was a bold and controversial decision that drew criticism from several quarters.
Yet, it positioned Himachal as an environmental trailblazer and has since become a model for other states. The move helped protect the ecologically sensitive Himalayan region and underlined Dhumal’s commitment to sustainable development.

Cricket, legacy and political setbacks

A lesser-known but significant contribution of Prem Kumar Dhumal’s tenure was his role in establishing the picturesque Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) stadium in Dharamshala. Under his leadership, the stadium transformed into a world-class venue, hosting international matches and boosting tourism in the hill town.

However, Dhumal’s political journey also witnessed setbacks. His surprise defeat in the 2017 Assembly election from Sujanpur came despite the BJP’s overall win.
His political lineage continues through his son Anurag Thakur, a former Union Minister and an MP from Hamirpur. Anurag has carved out his own national identity but remains closely aligned with the vision and values championed by his father.

S Gopal Puri