State Government committed to tackling drug mafia and boosting development: Chief Minister
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today addressed a public gathering in Nurpur, Kangra district, announcing significant development projects and reiterating the government’s strong stance against drug trafficking.
Dharamshala, January 19, 2025: Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today addressed a public gathering in Nurpur, Kangra district, announcing significant development projects and reiterating the government’s strong stance against drug trafficking.
The Chief Minister issued a stern warning to the drug mafia, emphasizing strict action against those jeopardizing the youth's future. Highlighting recent efforts, he stated that assets worth ₹11 crore had been seized from drug traffickers, and the PIT-NDPS Act has been implemented to detain habitual offenders. The Chief Minister allocated ₹5 crore for Arya Government Degree College, Nurpur, ₹3 crore to operationalize the Mother and Child Hospital, ₹2 crore for a shopping complex at Wazir Ram Singh Pathania Stadium, ₹2 crore for road maintenance in Nurpur and ₹2 crore for the Jasur-Katahal road.
He assured the swift initiation of the Rajiv Gandhi Day Boarding School project in Nurpur and pledged to resolve the town’s parking issues.
Blaming the BJP government for leaving behind ₹75,000 crore in debt and ₹10,000 crore in pending liabilities, the Chief Minister said his administration is implementing systemic reforms to ensure quality public services. He also outlined recent advancements in healthcare, including equipping hospitals with modern diagnostic equipment and separating the cadres of the Directorate of Health Services and Medical Colleges.
During the 2023 natural disaster, the government provided a ₹4,500 crore relief package and increased compensation for fully damaged houses to ₹7 lakh. Despite financial constraints, the government generated ₹2,200 crore in additional revenue last year and anticipates ₹2,400 crore this year.
The Chief Minister visited Pong Dam, a major tourist destination in Kangra, and highlighted its potential for tourism development. He noted that migratory birds from Siberia and Mongolia have made the dam a haven for birdwatchers, with 92,885 birds recorded this season. Plans to introduce water sports and enhance tourist facilities, including speed boats and a Wildlife Interpretation Centre, are underway to boost footfall further.
The Chief Minister inaugurated several projects worth ₹13.07 crore, including Dard Nala-Damoh link road and two bridges (₹7.82 crore), District Forensic Unit (₹2.05 crore), Khajjiyan to Haar link road (₹2.84 crore), HPSEBL Sub-division Gunoh building (₹36.66 lakh).
Dignitaries including Agriculture Minister Prof. Chander Kumar, AYUSH Minister Yadvinder Goma, and others accompanied the Chief Minister.