Subhash Mahajan
Chamba — The 79th Independence Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm and patriotic spirit at the historic Chaugan ground in Chamba. Industries, Parliamentary Affairs, Labour and Employment Minister Harshvardhan Chauhan presided over the district-level ceremony, hoisting the national flag and taking the salute at the ceremonial march-past.
The grand parade featured contingents from the District Police, Forest Department, Home Guards, NCC, NSS, and Bharat Scouts and Guides, with both male and female participants. The parade was led by Assistant Sub-Inspector Devendra Singh.
Extending Independence Day greetings to the people of Himachal Pradesh, Minister Chauhan paid tribute to the freedom fighters, brave soldiers, and nation-builders who sacrificed their lives for the country’s independence. He highlighted the state government’s commitment to holistic development under the leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, noting that Himachal Pradesh has emerged as a model for other hill states through successful implementation of various welfare schemes and policies.
Addressing the gathering, Chauhan emphasized the government’s compassionate approach toward disaster-affected citizens, announcing that relief assistance has been increased up to 25 times through a special package. He also outlined key developmental achievements in aspirational district Chamba, stating that since January 2023, the Public Works Department has spent ₹553 crore on various infrastructure projects, including the construction of 167 km of new roads and the paving of 175 km of existing roads.
He further noted that ₹239 crore is being spent under NABARD on 52 irrigation and drinking water schemes, while three major projects worth ₹100 crore are underway under ADB and NDB funding. In the health sector, the government has approved ₹194 crore for the second phase of building construction at Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru Government Medical College in Sarol.
Minister Chauhan also extended greetings to devotees for the upcoming Shri Manimahesh Yatra, beginning on August 16, a significant pilgrimage in North India.
The event featured cultural performances by students and local troupes, showcasing patriotic songs, dances, and traditional art forms. During the ceremony, senior journalist Balkrishna Parashar, Hameed Khan, and several departmental officials, employees, and social workers were felicitated with commendation certificates for their outstanding contributions.
Among the dignitaries present were MLAs Neeraj Nayyar and Dr. Hansraj, former minister Asha Kumari, Thakur Singh Bharmouri, Agricultural Produce and Marketing Committee Chairperson Lalit Thakur, Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Repaswal, Superintendent of Police Abhishek Yadav, and many other prominent citizens.
