Development Push for Dharamshala: Small Lake Planned in Pingal Nala, Channelization of Drains, and Parking Solutions on Agenda
Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa has announced a series of developmental initiatives under the Smart City Mission to enhance infrastructure, boost tourism, and ease urban challenges in Dharamshala. Key among the plans is the proposal to develop a small lake at Pingal Nala, located at the entry point of the city, aiming to turn it into a tourist attraction. The lake will utilize water from the kuhal (irrigation channel) flowing from the direction of the War Memorial. Officers have been directed to take necessary steps to expedite the proposal.
Arvind Sharma
Aug 4, 2025 10:57
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Dharamshala, August 4, 2025: Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa has announced a series of developmental initiatives under the Smart City Mission to enhance infrastructure, boost tourism, and ease urban challenges in Dharamshala. Key among the plans is the proposal to develop a small lake at Pingal Nala, located at the entry point of the city, aiming to turn it into a tourist attraction. The lake will utilize water from the kuhal (irrigation channel) flowing from the direction of the War Memorial. Officers have been directed to take necessary steps to expedite the proposal.
Presiding over a review meeting of Smart City projects at the NIC auditorium on Monday, DC Bairwa emphasized channelization works for better urban water management. He informed that all formalities have been initiated for the channelization of Charan Khad near Samridhi Bhawan, while the drain near Kali Mata Temple in Kotwali has already been sanctioned for budgetary approval.
To address the growing issue of haphazard roadside parking, the DC instructed officials to identify and mark small parking spaces and designate vending zones throughout the city. Joint inspections will be carried out to ensure effective implementation without inconveniencing the public.
The meeting also discussed plans to develop a rural market in Nadi and to streamline traffic movement between McLeodganj and Dharamkot, a route that often sees congestion due to high tourist inflow.
Earlier, Municipal Corporation Commissioner Zafar Iqbal welcomed the Deputy Commissioner and presented updates on ongoing civic works. He informed that a proposal has been prepared to simplify the process of cutting down trees that pose a risk to life and property, to prevent accidents during extreme weather. He also emphasized that serious efforts are underway to remove illegal encroachments in the city.
