Subhash Mahajan
Chamba
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, during his one-day visit to Chamba district, inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for development projects worth ₹21.12 crore in the Dalhousie Assembly constituency. The projects aim to enhance flood control, drinking water supply, and basic infrastructure in remote areas.
Major Drinking Water Scheme Inaugurated
Agnihotri inaugurated a newly constructed lift drinking water scheme worth ₹15.66 crore at the revered Bhalei Mata temple complex. The scheme will provide clean drinking water to approximately 133 habitations across 30 villages, including drought-affected panchayats such as Brangal, Bhalei, Wangal, Ohra, Simni, and Kanged. The system is expected to deliver 13 lakh liters of potable water daily.
Flood Control Measures for Banikhet Stream
He also laid the foundation stone for a ₹6.46 crore flood control project at Banikhet stream. The project includes the construction of an 815-meter ICC channel, stone filling, and other structural works to protect property worth ₹13 crore in Banikhet Nagar Panchayat and Dhalog Gram Panchayat.
Support for Religious Infrastructure
Responding to local demands, the Deputy CM announced ₹10 lakh for the construction of a Sarai Bhawan at Bhuru Nag Temple. He also assured that possibilities for installing a lift or ropeway at Bhadrakali Bhalei Mata Temple would be explored to aid senior citizens and devotees.
Public Interaction and Problem Resolution
During a public interaction program, Agnihotri emphasized the state government’s commitment to extending basic amenities to remote regions. He stated that projects related to drinking water, irrigation, sanitation, and flood control are being completed in a time-bound manner. Many public grievances were addressed on the spot.
Press Briefing at Banikhet
In a press conference held at Banikhet, the Deputy CM revealed that the proposal to establish a Jal Shakti Department divisional office in Dalhousie is under consideration. He added that most of the work on the Dalhousie drinking water scheme has been completed and is expected to be inaugurated by December this year. Regarding the Dalhousie bus stand, departmental formalities are being finalized. A detailed project report for Banikhet’s sewage system has also been submitted for approval.
Dignitaries Present
The event was attended by MLA D.S. Thakur, former ministers Asha Kumari and Thakur Singh Bharmouri, senior Congress leaders Kamal Thakur, Yashwant Khanna, and Dharam Singh Pathania, along with Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Repaswal, SP Abhishek Yadav, Chief Engineer Deepak Garg, SDM Anil Bhardwaj, and other officials and local dignitaries.
