Palampur: Top priority given to revival of old, natural water sources

Palampur, un-doubtedly remains one of the most picturesque towns of Himachal Pradesh, surrounded by lush green tea gardens, pine forests in the backdrop of snowcapped Dhauladhar ranges.

It is the home to valiant heroes like Major Som Nath Sharma, Capt Vikram Batra, Major Sudhir Walia and Saurabh Kalia, all highly decorated Army officers, whom the country worships as heroes.

Beauticiation work

The Municipal Corporation has sanctioned Rs 8 crore for the beautification and development of 15 wards, where children parks and playgrounds will be constructed. — Gopal Nag, Palampur Mayor

The place is known for its natural beauty and myriad interesting attractions that make it a most-visited destination. Palampur is also known as the ‘Tea Capital’ of north India due to its sprawling tea gardens, in and around the town. A visit to the local Palampur Cooperative Tea Factory can give a peek into the journey of tea leaves from garden to factory and the entire processing which brings that one uplifting cup of tea into our homes.

With premier institutions such as Himachal Pradesh Agriculture University, G C Negi College of Veterinary Sciences and Council of Indian Institute of Scientific Research (CSIR) located here, it has also become kind of an education hub of Kangra.

Palampur was once a part of the Jalandhar kingdom. The town came into existence when Dr Jameson, the Superintendent of Botanical Gardens, introduced tea bushes here in 1849. Before the 1905 Kangra earthquake, Palampur was the focal point of European tea estate owners. Since then Kangra tea has gained global recognition.

Gopal Nag, the Mayor of Palampur Municipal Corporation, while talking to Ravinder Sood shared his roadmap and vision for the development of the town.

What are your immediate priorities for the development of Palampur town?

Since Palampur is expanding fast, providing parking for he ever growing number of vehicles is a challenge and topmost priority. A double story parking on the premises of Radha Swami Mandir is coming up, which will accommodate 80 vehicles. The MC has already sanctioned Rs 1 crore for this project. Again, the MC has provided 8 kanal land to the Urban Development Department for the construction of multi-storied parking, which will come up with the assistance of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) soon. Sites are being identified for other parking in the satellite areas in the vicinity.

What are your plans for scientific handling and disposal of garbage?

The MC garbage treatment plant is fully functional and is treating 10 tonnes of garbage collected daily from 15 wards. The MC has installed three organic based convertors, one shredder and two bailing machines to treat the garbage. Till date, the corporation has already supplied 600 metric tonnes of plastic waste to the different cement plants. The corporation is regularly following the guidelines of HP Pollution Control Board and state environment departments to make Palampur a clean and green town.

Any plan to tackle problem of poor lighting being faced by many areas?

The MC has already ordered the purchase of 200 solar lights from HIM URJA, which will be installed in left out areas in the next one month. Besides, in urban areas, there are plans to install 199 electrical streetlights. The funds have also been approved by the house and also transferred to HPSEB and HIM URJA. Previously the MC has installed 2,000 solar lights in different wards and on highways passing through the town.

What steps has MC taken for the beautification of the town?

Since Palampur is the land of brave soldiers, the MC has taken it on priority to beautify the statues of the martyrs installed in the different parts of the town. In next two months the statue of Major Som Nath (PVC) would be replaced and its surroundings will also be beautified. The statue of late Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru has already been renovated. The MC has also sanctioned Rs 8 crore for the beautification and development of 15 wards, where children parks and playgrounds will be constructed.

The traditional water sources are vanishing day by day in the town, as at one time these were major sources of drinking water. Is there any plan to revive the same?

The MC has given top priority for the revival of all old natural water sources, old bauris, water springs, etc. The old Nala Mandir which is one of the oldest natural water sources of the town will be revived and renovated. Likewise, another old natural water source at Dohuru Molalla will also be repaired and renovated by the MC.