Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Sunday offered prayers at the Hatu Mata Temple in Shimla district. Addressing the media, he stated that the state is globally recognized for its rich 'Dev culture' and that the people hold deep faith in their deities. The state government is making concerted efforts to promote religious tourism across the state, which houses several revered temples.
Four-Lane Highway Survey Completed
To improve connectivity and boost tourism, the Dhali-Narkanda-Rampur road is being upgraded into a four-lane highway. The survey work for this project has been completed. Chief Minister Sukhu emphasized that tunnel construction will be prioritized in the project to minimize damage caused by landslides and ensure safer travel.
Hatu Mata Ropeway Project
The Chief Minister further stated that the state government is actively pursuing the construction of the Hatu Mata Ropeway. The project has been proposed under the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD). While it may take three to four years to materialize, the government is committed to implementing it on a priority basis.
Funds have been sanctioned for improving the road leading to Hatu Mata, with special emphasis on avoiding tree felling while ensuring better facilities for devotees.
Financial Assistance and Felicitation
Sukhu also announced a grant of Rs 50 lakh for the Narkanda Nagar Panchayat, which was elected unopposed. Later, newly elected Panchayati Raj representatives accorded a warm welcome to the Chief Minister at Narkanda and felicitated him. He also planted a sapling in Narkanda.
Several dignitaries were present on the occasion, including MLA Kuldeep Rathore, MLA Dehra and the Chief Minister's wife Kamlesh Thakur, Vice Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh Forest Development Corporation Kehar Singh Khachi, Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh State Cooperative Bank Devender Shyam, Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap, and SP Gaurav Singh.
