“We Are Products of Virbhadra’s School”: Dy CM Agnihotri at Jawali
Jawali: On Wednesday, the stage at Jawali’s Nakki witnessed a heartfelt tribute to the late Virbhadra Singh, former Chief Minister of Himachal (one of the tallest leaders in Cngress), as Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri fondly recalled the former Chief Minister’s legacy.
Addressing the gathering, Agnihotri shared, “We are people who studied in the school of our leader, the late Virbhadra Singh. We learned from him how to deal with the public, how to work on development, and how to serve the people. His absence has left a huge void in our hearts, and we will always remember him.”
Agnihotri also mentioned the close bond between Virbhadra Singh and Congress leader Chaudhary Chandar Kumar, highlighting their deep affection and mutual respect. “Such a leader, we will always remember. Today, Himachal is what it is because of him,” said Agnihotri.
Remembered Former CM Parmar
Further, Agnihotri paid tribute to YS Parmar, the former Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, recalling his tenure, during which he significantly shaped the state’s development.
“Himachal owes its progress to the leadership of both Virbhadra Singh and YS Parmar, and we, as dedicated public servants, will continue to work towards the betterment of the people, regardless of the negativity thrown at us,” he stated.
Inauguration of the Water Inspection Hut
At the event, Agnihotri inaugurated a water inspection hut built by the Water Power Department, which had been pending for the last 20 years. The project, located in Jawali, was completed within a year after Agnihotri’s intervention.
The Deputy Chief Minister also announced the creation of a comprehensive water supply plan for Jawali city, worth ₹16 crore, which includes four tube wells, six storage tanks, and a distribution system for households.
Water Supply and Irrigation Plans for Jawali
Mukesh Agnihotri further discussed the ongoing water supply projects for Jawali, stating that a new ₹15.5 crore plan under the AMRUT-2 scheme would ensure 24-hour potable water supply for the city. He also shared plans to invest ₹5.74 crore for flood protection work in the Kotla area and a ₹7 crore flood safety initiative in Buhal and Dehar Khadd regions.
In irrigation, Agnihotri revealed plans to install nine tube wells at a cost of ₹5.5 crore, with five already completed. He emphasized that improving irrigation infrastructure would directly boost agricultural productivity and farmer income.
Sukahar Irrigation Scheme & Fina Singh Project
The Deputy Chief Minister also spoke about the efforts to expedite the approval of the ₹247 crore Sukahar irrigation project, which will benefit around 8,000 farmers in Kangra district. He added that the Fina Singh irrigation project, with an investment of ₹300 crore from the state government and ₹287 crore from the central government, would be completed soon.
Chandar Kumar on Development
Agriculture Minister Prof. Chandra Kumar expressed gratitude to Agnihotri for prioritizing irrigation projects in the region. He credited Agnihotri for pushing the long-delayed Sukahar and Fina Singh projects forward, which he believes will change the fortunes of local farmers.
Presence of Dignitaries
The event was attended by various prominent figures, including SDM Bachitra Singh, ASP D.C. Verma, Chief Engineer of the Water Power Department Suresh Mahajan, Executive Engineer Ajay Sharma, and several local political leaders and representatives.
