Revenue and Tribal Minister Jagat Singh Negi has directed officials to devise an action plan for improved infrastructure and facilities in tribal villages of Himachal Pradesh, focusing on roads, drinking water and electricity. Chairing a review meeting with officials from Pangi and Bharmour at the Circuit House on Wednesday, Negi emphasised expediting development to ensure tribal area progress.

Highlighting a milestone, Negi stated that Bada Bhangal, a remote area in Kangra district, would be connected by road within two years—a first since Independence. He urged officials to prioritise tunnel construction to overcome the region’s challenging geography and enhance connectivity.

Negi underscored the critical role of roads in Himachal’s development, instructing officials to prepare Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for new roads, upgrade unpaved roads to concrete under the Prime Minister Gramin Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), and submit proposals for connecting roads under NABARD.

The minister called for the adoption of modern technology in engineering works. He noted that the government had increased engineers’ financial powers and expedited tender processes to accelerate project completion. Addressing drinking water and irrigation issues, Negi urged the IPH department to complete pending projects promptly, warning of strict action in cases of negligence.

In the electricity sector, he directed officials to expedite the 11KV grid work in Pangi to ensure uninterrupted power supply during winters. He also emphasized improving maintenance of tribal buildings and completing the ongoing tribal building construction in Nurpur swiftly.

Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa, Resident Commissioner of Pangi and Chief Engineers from various departments attended the meeting.

Revenue, horticulture projects reviewed

A review meeting on the progress of works related to the Revenue and Horticulture departments was held in the Chamba on Wednesday under the chairmanship of Minister of Revenue and Horticulture Jagat Singh Negi.

The meeting focused on reviewing ongoing projects and addressing pending issues in the Revenue Department.

Negi said resolving revenue-related pending cases promptly was a key priority of the state government.

He highlighted the implementation of special campaigns to expedite revenue-related tasks and directed officials to ensure swift action on pending cases to spare rural residents repeated visits to government offices.

Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Repaswal briefed the minister on the efforts made to resolve pending revenue cases in the district over the years.