Department has selected around 55 routes in Kangra district for running electric buses: Mukesh Agnihotri

Dharamsala, June 10, 2023: Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri conducted a review of development works of kangra district in Jwalamukhi, where he met with officials from the Jal Shakti (Water Resources), Transport, Cooperative, and Language, Art, and Culture departments on Saturday . During the meeting, he emphasized the importance of working in the public interest.

In a press release after the meeting ,Agnihotri provided an update on the progress of the Jal Jeevan Mission in Kangra district, stating that 227 projects with a total cost of Rs 1067 crore are underway to ensure water availability and supply.

He highlighted the state government's commitment to making Himachal Pradesh a green state. As part of this initiative, the state aims to become a "Model State for Electric Vehicles." Agnihotri mentioned the phased promotion of electric vehicles in both the private and government sectors. The plan involves gradually replacing 1,500 diesel buses with e-buses, with a budget allocation of Rs 1,000 crore. Additionally, the government intends to develop six national and state highways as green corridors for e-vehicles in the first phase.

In Kangra district, the Transport Department has selected around 55 routes for running electric buses. Agnihotri emphasized the expansion of electric buses and routes throughout the district. Currently, 15 electric buses are operational in Dharamshala, with charging stations in Dharamshala, and proposed stations in Palampur, Kangra, Dehra, and Sansarpur Terrace.

Agnihotri also directed the officials of the Language, Art, and Culture Department to collaborate with educational institutions for the preservation and promotion of the district's cultural and literary heritage. He specifically highlighted the importance of documenting the history of temples in Kangra.

Before the meeting, Agnihotri, accompanied by his wife Simmi Agnihotri and Public Works Department Minister Vikramaditya Singh, visited the Shaktipeeth Shree Jwalaji Temple. Due to the summer season, he instructed the administration to regularly sprinkle water on the temple floor and provide mats for devotees to walk on.

 Additionally, Agnihotri attended the fourth-anniversary Shradh (memorial ceremony) of Late Sushil Chand Rattan, the father of MLA Sanjay Rattan, in Jwalamukhi. Several other dignitaries, including Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Ashish Butail, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Kishori Lal, MLAs, former ministers, and Deputy Commissioner Kangra Dr. Nipun Jindal, were present during the occasion.