HImachal government shall encourage ropeways: CM

Dharamshala, July 8, 2019: Taking about so many projects ,it seems that HP government shall encourage ropeways to reduce stress on the roads in this hill state.In a statement of the state government issued here ,the Chief Minister said that Dharamshala ropeway project is under construction at a cost of Rs. 150 crore and Adi Himani-Chamunda ropeway worth Rs. 289 crore has been approved in principle for which forest clearance has also been obtained. Adi Himani-Chamunda ropeway shall be constructed near Dharamshala which will connect New Chamunda Temple with old Chamunda Temple. Himani Chamunda is a Hindu temple dedicated to Chamunda, situated in the Kangra Valley, Himachal Pradesh, in the Himalayas situated at the height of 3185 meters . this will be a 6.5 kms long ropeway. On the other hand 1.5 kms long Dharamshala- Mecleodganj ropeway will lower traffic congestion in popular hill station.

The statement also said that the survey has also been conducted for construction of Bhuntar-Bijli Mahadev of Rs. 94.19 crore and NPV has been deposited in respect of ropeway from Palchan to Rohtang, which would be constructed by spending Rs.340 crore.

The Chief Minister also directed the officers to ensure timely completion of all the ongoing projects so that Himachal could emerge as the favourite tourist destination.

Jai Ram Thakur said that the Union Ministry of Tourism has in principle approved a Rs. 27.18 crore project for development of Maa Chintpurni temple in Una district under PRASAD scheme. He said that few other components were added and the department has submitted a DPR of Rs. 45.06 crore for approval.

He said that process for acquisition of 153 acres of land for expansion of Kangra airport has been initiated and OLS survey has been completed for international standard airport in Mandi district. In order to strengthen air connectivity in the state, six heliports have been constructed and upgraded and works on Shimla and Manali heliports were on full swing. He said that presently there were 64 operational helipads in the state and process was underway for construction of more 11 helipads in different parts.

Jai Ram Thakur said that rupees four crore each have been sanctioned for developing village Haat at Kangra and Art and Crafts Centre at Bhalei Mata Temple at Chamba and convention centre was coming up at Kiarighat in Solan district at a cost of Rs. 24 crore.