Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has announced that a comprehensive survey and a detailed project report will be carried out for constructing a tunnel beneath the Kunzum Pass, aiming to ensure year-round road connectivity for both local residents and visitors. During his two-day visit to the Spiti valley, he also declared that the region will be designated as a natural farming area and revealed plans to explore the establishment of a college in Kaza, alongside deploying gynecologists and medicine specialists to bolster local healthcare. Furthermore, a survey for a heliport in Kaza will be initiated to give a strong impetus to tourism.
Addressing a public gathering in Kaza, the Chief Minister stated that the state government has earmarked five hundred crore rupees for the development of Spiti over the coming years, including the Sumdo-Kaza transmission line targeted for completion within three years at a cost of approximately three hundred fifty crore rupees. Highlighting the administration’s commitment to cold desert regions, which comprise about forty-two percent of the state’s geographical area, he emphasized ongoing efforts to double local incomes and improve essential infrastructure. He also touched upon employee welfare, noting the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme and consideration of releasing a Dearness Allowance installment ahead of Diwali.
Turning to healthcare and governance reforms, the Chief Minister defended the government’s record by pointing out that medical college staffing levels have risen from thirty-five to seventy percent under the current administration, while criticizing previous shortfalls and emphasizing significant investments in modern medical technology across state medical institutions. He added that sealing avenues of corruption has generated additional revenue to fund public welfare programs, such as financial assistance for women and the upcoming Apna Parivar Sukhi Parivar scheme. Local MLA Anuradha Rana praised the government’s fulfillment of past promises, highlighting recent strides in electricity supply, specialist medical appointments, and approved sports infrastructure including major ice hockey and cricket grounds.
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