Himachal Pradesh Public Works and Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh on Sunday reaffirmed that empowering rural panchayats by improving road connectivity and ensuring adequate budgetary support remains a top priority of the state government.
He was addressing a public gathering after inaugurating the newly constructed Panchayat Community Building at Barhai in the Shimla Rural Assembly constituency, built at a cost of ₹1.14 crore. Congratulating local residents, the minister said the state government is ensuring balanced development of rural and urban areas alike, with no compromise on the development of Shimla Rural.
Vikramaditya Singh informed that over the past three years, more than ₹2 crore has been sanctioned for various development works in Barhai Panchayat. Of this, ₹17 lakh was provided from the MLA fund, while ₹72 lakh was sanctioned under other heads. He also highlighted the creation of a new Zila Parishad ward named Barhai, which includes several surrounding panchayats and most of the Shodhi area.
The minister said that development allocations are currently based on the 2011 Census, as the 2021 Census has yet to be conducted. He added that the state government has taken up the matter with the Centre to initiate the census at the earliest so that funds for welfare and development schemes can be increased accordingly. Emphasizing inclusive governance, he said development works are being carried out across the state above party politics, ensuring equitable allocation of resources to all panchayats in the nearly 90,000-population Shimla Rural constituency.
He further informed that ₹37 lakh is being spent on upgrading the road from Sankat Mochan to Barhai and Anji Zoo, for which the tendering process has been completed and work awarded.
CGMG Technology to Be Used for Durable Roads
Vikramaditya Singh said a new CGMG technology is being adopted to construct durable roads in areas affected by rain and water stagnation around Shimla city. The Barhai to Zoo road will be the first to be developed using this technology.
Recalling the vision of former Chief Minister late Virbhadra Singh, he said parking facilities have been developed at Sankat Mochan and several other locations, including Development Nagar, Auckland, Lift, Sanjauli, Tutikandi and Tutu, to ease traffic congestion and benefit both locals and tourists.
Announcements for Barhai Panchayat
The minister announced an additional ₹5 lakh for development works in Barhai Panchayat and assured the provision of a table tennis kit for the panchayat community building hall.
He also said that once 250 new diesel buses are inducted into the state fleet, bus routes would be allotted on priority to Barhai village and adjoining areas. In places where full-sized buses are not viable, tempo travellers are being deployed to ensure connectivity.
Focus on Waste Management and Drinking Water
The minister informed that work has begun on setting up a modern solid waste treatment plant at Majhyat, which will be completed soon. He added that sewage and waste treatment plants are being monitored online by the Pollution Control Department, with strict penalties for any lapses.
He further announced that Bihar village and nearby habitations will be connected to the Gharog Ghandal Lift Drinking Water Scheme to ensure adequate water supply. He assured that all demands raised by the local panchayat would be addressed in a phased manner.
‘Mantri Aapke Dwar’ Programme
During the visit, Vikramaditya Singh also listened to public grievances under the “Mantri Aapke Dwar” programme and resolved several issues on the spot with the help of officials.
Earlier, Panchayat Pradhan Priyanka Tanwar welcomed the minister and detailed development works carried out over the past four and a half years. She especially thanked Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh for sanctioning funds for the community building, which was completed in record time of one year.
Zila Parishad member Santosh Sharma, Panchayat Samiti Tutu Chairperson Saroj Sharma, councillors, BDC members, senior officers, panchayat representatives and a large number of villagers were present on the occasion.
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