CM Sukhu on Saturday inaugurated the first phase of the Kamiyana Hill Top Nature Trail at Poabo village near Shimla, a major eco-tourism project developed by the Forest Department at a cost of ₹5 crore.
Spread across nearly eight hectares, the project features a 2.5-kilometre nature trail aimed at promoting environmental awareness, biodiversity conservation, nature education and sustainable tourism. Designed with a gentle gradient, the trail ensures accessibility for visitors of all age groups, including children and senior citizens.
The hilltop destination offers panoramic views of prominent Himalayan landmarks such as Shali Peak, Mahasu Peak, the Naldehra Horse Trail, Mashobra, Craignano Nature Park and the Shimla Water Catchment Area. Among its key attractions is the Vaman Vriksha Mandal, a bonsai garden showcasing around 40 specimens from 15 different species.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister announced ₹5.20 crore for the construction of 16 roads approved under the Forest Rights Act (FRA) in the Kasumpti Assembly constituency. He said the state government is committed to governance based on honesty, transparency and public welfare, while continuing efforts to strengthen the rural economy.
Sukhu highlighted the government’s decision to enhance the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for several naturally grown agricultural products. Wheat MSP has been raised from ₹60 to ₹80 per kg, maize from ₹40 to ₹50 per kg, and barley grown in Chamba’s Pangi Valley from ₹60 to ₹80 per kg. The MSP for raw turmeric has increased from ₹90 to ₹150 per kg, while naturally grown ginger will now be procured at ₹30 per kg.
He also pointed to increased support for dairy farmers, stating that procurement rates for cow milk have risen from ₹32 to ₹61 per litre over the past three years, while buffalo milk prices have increased from ₹47 to ₹71 per litre.
Commenting on the recent Panchayati Raj elections, the Chief Minister accused the BJP of spreading misinformation despite securing only 98 of the state’s 251 Zila Parishad seats. He claimed that Congress-backed candidates performed strongly in local body elections, winning 29 out of 53 urban local bodies, while the BJP secured 21.
Sukhu further alleged that attempts were made to influence the political environment through money power but asserted that public support had strengthened the Congress, with the party’s legislative strength returning to 40 following the by-elections. He also referred to the Congress victory in the Shimla Municipal Corporation elections as a significant achievement.
Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh said development works in the Kasumpti Assembly constituency have gained momentum with the Chief Minister’s support. He noted that 120 roads have been sanctioned under the FRA in nearby panchayats and that 124 roads have already been upgraded and metalled.
The minister added that tourism continues to expand across the state and expressed confidence that the Kamiyana Hill Top Nature Trail would boost local employment and self-employment opportunities.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
