Minister urges depts to expedite development projects in Pangi
A project advisory committee meeting was held on Friday at Killar, sub-divisional headquarters of tribal Pangi valley in Chamba district, to review the valley’s allocated budget of Rs 45 crore for the 2024-25 fiscal and assess the progress of various developmental works for which instructions were issued at a previous meeting held on June 27.
Revenue Minister, Jagat Singh Negi, who also holds the portfolio of Horticulture, Tribal Development, Redressal of Public Grievances, presided over the meeting.
Speaking at the meeting, Negi encouraged valley residents to send their wards to schools with hostel facilities in Killar, Sach and Setchu, while emphasising on the importance of making full use of available resources. He also reviewed the outreach camps held in various departments, including Animal Husbandry, Health, Agriculture, Horticulture, and Rural Development, to educate residents.
Negi urged departments to continue these awareness initiatives, ensuring publicity through the Information and Public Relations Department to maximise reach. He emphasised that all departments must work diligently to support farmers, orchardists and livestock owners in the valley.
The minister also addressed infrastructure projects, seeking updates from the Public Works Department (PWD) on the state of local roads. He directed the department to complete ongoing projects as soon as possible. Negi assured residents that all villages with populations over 100 would be connected through the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). He instructed the PWD to expedite necessary actions. Besides, he tasked the PWD and the Forest Department to complete beautification projects and construct an alternative road at Sach pass by the next year.
He directed the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to expedite construction work on the Sansari-Killar-Thirot-Tandi (SKTT) road. Recognising the risks posed by winter fires in the valley, he assured residents that a Fire Department office would soon be opened for quicker emergency responses.
For better communication, Negi announced installation of 20 BSNL towers in the valley, with five towers in Sural Bhatori, Luz, Seri Bhatwas, Tundru and Rei set to be operational via satellite by November 15 this year. Additional towers would be installed shortly after to enhance connectivity throughout the region.
The Tribal Development Minister directed the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department to accelerate MGNREGA projects in the area. He encouraged local representatives to be proactive in using their authority for community welfare. The Electricity Department received instructions to complete the Tindi-Killar 11 kV power line project by October next year to address electricity shortages.
The meeting also included a session by the local area development committee (LADC) to discuss contributions from the Duggar Hydropower Project, managed by the NHPC. The project has committed to allocate 1.5 per cent of the construction cost towards the development of impacted areas.
In another session on the Forest Rights Act, Negi heard residents’ concerns and encouraged them to understand and benefit from the Act, urging officials to organise “Mahal sabha” meetings to facilitate community discussions.
Earlier in the day, Minister Negi visited the Killar Bal Balika Ashram and the Government Senior Secondary School hostel in Pangi to assess facilities and directed officials to make necessary improvements at the institution.
The meeting was attended by project advisory committee vice chairman and Bharmour Pangi MLA Dr Janak Raj; Pangi Tehsildar Shanta Kumar; PWD Superintending Engineer DS Pathania; Electricity Board Superintending Engineer Rajiv Thakur and Pangi DFO DS Dadwal among others.
