Himachal to build airstrip in Spiti to boost tourism

Kaza (Himachal Pradesh), June 17 (IANS) To boost tourism in the remote, inaccessible but picturesque areas, the state government would take up the issue of construction of an airstrip in the Spiti area, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh said here Tuesday.

"I am personally going to pursue the matter pertaining to construction of an airstrip for Kaza at Rangreek with the government of India," the chief minister said at a public rally here.

He said the entire Spiti area would be made more tourism viable, both economically and technically, with the construction of the airstrip.

The chief minister said he is well aware of every nook and corner of the tribal areas of the state. "Overall development of the tribal areas and welfare of its people has always been my priority."

Virbhadra Singh announced upgrading of the community health centre here to a 50-bedded hospital and said it would have latest equipment.

He announced a residential accommodation for the doctors in the vicinity of the hospital would be set up so that the doctors could be available round the clock.

He said the government would provide uninterrupted 180 days' employment to the labourers working for public works and irrigation and public health departments without break, which was 100 days previously.

Earlier, addressing a public meeting at the Kungri monastery in the Pin Valley, the chief minister stressed for conservation of ancient monasteries.

He said the Mudh-Bhawa road would soon be constructed as it would be shorter route to Shimla for the people of the Pin Valley. He also announced construction of Tangti and Kitnala bridges in the valley.

A part of the remote but picturesque Lahaul-Spiti district, the Spiti Valley is a cold desert dotted with tiny hamlets under the shadow of the Himalayan peaks, adjoining Tibet. It also is a land of Buddhism and virgin nature.

Kaza, the headquarters of Spiti, is some 320 km from the state capital Shimla through Kinnaur district and equidistant from the picturesque Manali tourist resort via Kunzum Pass (4,551 m).