Dharamshala, June 18
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday laid the foundation stone of an Integrated AYUSH hospital in Dharamshala during the second day of his visit to Kangra district, underscoring the state government’s focus on healthcare and regional development.
Addressing the gathering after the foundation stone ceremony, Sukhu said the state government had ensured continuous development in Dharamshala despite the absence of a Congress MLA from the constituency. He stated that new government offices had been opened in the town, and several offices had been shifted from Shimla to Dharamshala to strengthen administrative services.
The Chief Minister said the government had prepared multiple plans for the comprehensive development of Kangra district. While several initiatives had already been implemented, more development projects would be introduced in the coming years, he added.
Responding to questions regarding the dispute involving Dharamshala Municipal Corporation Commissioner and BJP MLA Sudhir Sharma, Sukhu said he did not wish to comment extensively on the controversy but maintained that the commissioner had performed well.
Highlighting the government’s tourism strategy, Sukhu said Kangra had been designated as Himachal Pradesh’s tourism capital and that his government had successfully initiated the long-pending expansion of Gaggal Airport.
He remarked that former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur had often described the airport expansion as a dream project, but it was the present government that had moved the project forward on the ground.
The Chief Minister further said efforts had been made to connect Palampur and Dharamshala through heliport services. He noted that construction of the Palampur heliport had been completed.
Sukhu also highlighted the development of an international-standard zoological park at Bankhandi, saying the project would boost tourism and contribute to the state’s revenue generation.
Speaking about tourism-related infrastructure, he said Himachal Pradesh does not charge fees for police deployment during cricket matches, unlike several other states. He added that the steady increase in tourist arrivals was directly benefiting local residents, traders and the hospitality sector across the state.
“The government is moving rapidly towards making Kangra the tourism capital, and several major projects are being implemented to achieve this objective,” Sukhu said.
