Kaza (Lahaul-Spiti) : Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has assured that a survey will be conducted and a Detailed Project Report (DPR) prepared for the construction of a tunnel beneath Kunzum Pass. He said the state government was making efforts to construct the tunnel, which would provide better road connectivity throughout the year to local residents and tourists.
The Chief Minister announced that Spiti valley would be declared a natural farming area and said that the possibility of opening a college in Kaza would be explored. In addition, gynaecologists and medicine specialists would be appointed in Kaza. He also assured that a survey would be conducted for the construction of a heliport in Kaza, which would boost tourism activities and benefit local residents.
Addressing a public meeting in Kaza during his two-day visit to Spiti valley, the Chief Minister said that the state government would spend Rs. 500 crore on Spiti’s development in the coming years. The Sumdo-Kaza transmission line is targeted for completion within three years, at an estimated cost of approximately Rs. 350 crore. He said the state government was working towards doubling the income of the people of Spiti.
Sh. Sukhu said that when he first visited the region on 15 April, 2023 to celebrate Himachal Day, local residents had raised the issue of electricity shortages. He said efforts to address the problem were now beginning to yield results on the ground.
He added that approximately 42 percent of Himachal Pradesh’s geographical area falls within cold desert regions. The state government was paying special attention to the development of the populations living in these areas and allocating additional funds for their welfare.
The Chief Minister said the state government was continuously working for the welfare of its employees. He said the government would consider releasing an instalment of Dearness Allowance on the occasion of Diwali.
He said the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) had been restored to provide employees with dignity and social security, and the government was considering bringing more employees under its coverage in the coming years.
He said that the Central Government had withheld Rs. 1,600 crore, which Himachal Pradesh was to receive every year, because the state had implemented the OPS.
The Chief Minister said Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda had questioned the state government’s expenditure on healthcare services. However, during the previous BJP government’s tenure, only 35 percent of the sanctioned staff positions were filled in the state’s medical colleges and other healthcare institutions. Under the present government’s efforts, staffing levels had increased to 70 percent, he said.
He added that the Congress government had initiated work on critical care blocks after coming to power.
Referring to the Ayushman Bharat scheme, he said the state’s share amounted to nearly Rs. 26 crore under the scheme for the period 2023-27, but the state’s expenditure on it exceeded the given share by additional Rs. 204 crore approximately.
The Chief Minister said that during the previous BJP government’s tenure, residents of Himachal Pradesh had to travel outside the state for medical treatment costing approximately Rs. 1,000 crore.
He said the present government had invested its own resources to provide modern medical technology, on the lines of AIIMS Delhi, at all medical colleges across the state.
He further claimed that by closing avenues for corruption, the state government had generated an additional Rs. 4,000 crore in revenue, which was being used to implement public welfare schemes.
Taking aim at the former MLA from Lahaul-Spiti, the Chief Minister said: “I had never imagined that the local leader would betray the people of the region.” He added that the people of Himachal Pradesh were watching the political future of the leaders who had left the Congress.
Referring to the by-election in which the people of Lahaul-Spiti elected a woman MLA, he said that she was now fighting for the interests of the people of the region.
The Chief Minister said a major movement against vote theft was being built under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi. Accusing the BJP of horse-trading, he said an attempt was made to topple the present state government by bringing nine MLAs over to its side. However, with the blessings of God, state’s deities and the people, the government was continuing to function successfully.
The Chief Minister said the state government had also begun providing financial assistance of Rs. 1,500 to women, starting with women in Spiti.
He announced that the government was preparing to launch the ‘Apna Parivar, Sukhi Parivar’ scheme. Under the scheme, all eligible women in the state would be provided with a monthly pension of Rs. 1,500, and the families would be provided 300 units of free electricity and insurance coverage of Rs. 10 lakh per annum.
Earlier, MLA Anuradha Rana said that all the announcements made by the Chief Minister on 15 April, 2023 had been fulfilled.
She said the land of Buddhist culture symbolised compassion and love, and that the Chief Minister understood the problems of ordinary people because he himself had overcome difficulties through struggle.
She added that the Chief Minister was working to ensure round-the-clock electricity in the region over the next two to three years.
She said the region had previously faced a shortage of doctors, but specialist doctors had now been appointed. The region had also received a Block Medical Officer after 12 years.
Referring to the Nautor land issue, she said that the Congress had been fighting for the demand for a long time and that the state government was consistently raising the matter with the Governor.
She further said the state government was making efforts to promote tourism in Spiti. An ice hockey ground costing Rs. 75 crore and a cricket ground costing Rs. 8 crore had been approved for the region.
In addition, stargazing activities had been introduced and steps were being taken to promote winter sports.
District Congress President Dorje Larje, Panchayat Samiti President Chhering Dolma, Vice-President Mahindra, Block Congress President Chhering and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.
-0-1098/2026 SHIMLA 14 October, 2026
Government to build Kunzum tunnel; Survey to be conducted first: CM
• Rs. 500 crore to be spent on Spiti’s development in the coming years: Chief Minister
• Announcements include making Spiti a natural farming area, surveying a heliport site and exploring the possibility of opening a college
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has assured that a survey will be conducted and a Detailed Project Report (DPR) prepared for the construction of a tunnel beneath Kunzum Pass. He said the state government was making efforts to construct the tunnel, which would provide better road connectivity throughout the year to local residents and tourists.
The Chief Minister announced that Spiti valley would be declared a natural farming area and said that the possibility of opening a college in Kaza would be explored. In addition, gynaecologists and medicine specialists would be appointed in Kaza. He also assured that a survey would be conducted for the construction of a heliport in Kaza, which would boost tourism activities and benefit local residents.
Addressing a public meeting in Kaza during his two-day visit to Spiti valley, the Chief Minister said that the state government would spend Rs. 500 crore on Spiti’s development in the coming years. The Sumdo-Kaza transmission line is targeted for completion within three years, at an estimated cost of approximately Rs. 350 crore. He said the state government was working towards doubling the income of the people of Spiti.
Sh. Sukhu said that when he first visited the region on 15 April, 2023 to celebrate Himachal Day, local residents had raised the issue of electricity shortages. He said efforts to address the problem were now beginning to yield results on the ground.
He added that approximately 42 percent of Himachal Pradesh’s geographical area falls within cold desert regions. The state government was paying special attention to the development of the populations living in these areas and allocating additional funds for their welfare.
The Chief Minister said the state government was continuously working for the welfare of its employees. He said the government would consider releasing an instalment of Dearness Allowance on the occasion of Diwali.
He said the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) had been restored to provide employees with dignity and social security, and the government was considering bringing more employees under its coverage in the coming years.
He said that the Central Government had withheld Rs. 1,600 crore, which Himachal Pradesh was to receive every year, because the state had implemented the OPS.
The Chief Minister said Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda had questioned the state government’s expenditure on healthcare services. However, during the previous BJP government’s tenure, only 35 percent of the sanctioned staff positions were filled in the state’s medical colleges and other healthcare institutions. Under the present government’s efforts, staffing levels had increased to 70 percent, he said.
He added that the Congress government had initiated work on critical care blocks after coming to power.
Referring to the Ayushman Bharat scheme, he said the state’s share amounted to nearly Rs. 26 crore under the scheme for the period 2023-27, but the state’s expenditure on it exceeded the given share by additional Rs. 204 crore approximately.
The Chief Minister said that during the previous BJP government’s tenure, residents of Himachal Pradesh had to travel outside the state for medical treatment costing approximately Rs. 1,000 crore.
He said the present government had invested its own resources to provide modern medical technology, on the lines of AIIMS Delhi, at all medical colleges across the state.
He further claimed that by closing avenues for corruption, the state government had generated an additional Rs. 4,000 crore in revenue, which was being used to implement public welfare schemes.
Taking aim at the former MLA from Lahaul-Spiti, the Chief Minister said: “I had never imagined that the local leader would betray the people of the region.” He added that the people of Himachal Pradesh were watching the political future of the leaders who had left the Congress.
Referring to the by-election in which the people of Lahaul-Spiti elected a woman MLA, he said that she was now fighting for the interests of the people of the region.
The Chief Minister said a major movement against vote theft was being built under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi. Accusing the BJP of horse-trading, he said an attempt was made to topple the present state government by bringing nine MLAs over to its side. However, with the blessings of God, state’s deities and the people, the government was continuing to function successfully.
The Chief Minister said the state government had also begun providing financial assistance of Rs. 1,500 to women, starting with women in Spiti.
He announced that the government was preparing to launch the ‘Apna Parivar, Sukhi Parivar’ scheme. Under the scheme, all eligible women in the state would be provided with a monthly pension of Rs. 1,500, and the families would be provided 300 units of free electricity and insurance coverage of Rs. 10 lakh per annum.
Earlier, MLA Anuradha Rana said that all the announcements made by the Chief Minister on 15 April, 2023 had been fulfilled.
She said the land of Buddhist culture symbolised compassion and love, and that the Chief Minister understood the problems of ordinary people because he himself had overcome difficulties through struggle.
She added that the Chief Minister was working to ensure round-the-clock electricity in the region over the next two to three years.
She said the region had previously faced a shortage of doctors, but specialist doctors had now been appointed. The region had also received a Block Medical Officer after 12 years.
Referring to the Nautor land issue, she said that the Congress had been fighting for the demand for a long time and that the state government was consistently raising the matter with the Governor.
She further said the state government was making efforts to promote tourism in Spiti. An ice hockey ground costing Rs. 75 crore and a cricket ground costing Rs. 8 crore had been approved for the region.
In addition, stargazing activities had been introduced and steps were being taken to promote winter sports.
District Congress President Dorje Larje, Panchayat Samiti President Chhering Dolma, Vice-President Mahindra, Block Congress President Chhering and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.
Government to build Kunzum tunnel; Survey to be conducted first : Sukhu
Kaza (Lahaul-Spiti) : Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has assured that a survey will be conducted and a Detailed Project Report (DPR) prepared for the construction of a tunnel beneath Kunzum Pass. He said the state government was making efforts to construct the tunnel, which would provide better road connectivity throughout the year to local residents and tourists.
The Chief Minister announced that Spiti valley would be declared a natural farming area and said that the possibility of opening a college in Kaza would be explored. In addition, gynaecologists and medicine specialists would be appointed in Kaza. He also assured that a survey would be conducted for the construction of a heliport in Kaza, which would boost tourism activities and benefit local residents.
Addressing a public meeting in Kaza during his two-day visit to Spiti valley, the Chief Minister said that the state government would spend Rs. 500 crore on Spiti’s development in the coming years. The Sumdo-Kaza transmission line is targeted for completion within three years, at an estimated cost of approximately Rs. 350 crore. He said the state government was working towards doubling the income of the people of Spiti.
Sh. Sukhu said that when he first visited the region on 15 April, 2023 to celebrate Himachal Day, local residents had raised the issue of electricity shortages. He said efforts to address the problem were now beginning to yield results on the ground.
He added that approximately 42 percent of Himachal Pradesh’s geographical area falls within cold desert regions. The state government was paying special attention to the development of the populations living in these areas and allocating additional funds for their welfare.
The Chief Minister said the state government was continuously working for the welfare of its employees. He said the government would consider releasing an instalment of Dearness Allowance on the occasion of Diwali.
He said the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) had been restored to provide employees with dignity and social security, and the government was considering bringing more employees under its coverage in the coming years.
He said that the Central Government had withheld Rs. 1,600 crore, which Himachal Pradesh was to receive every year, because the state had implemented the OPS.
The Chief Minister said Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda had questioned the state government’s expenditure on healthcare services. However, during the previous BJP government’s tenure, only 35 percent of the sanctioned staff positions were filled in the state’s medical colleges and other healthcare institutions. Under the present government’s efforts, staffing levels had increased to 70 percent, he said.
He added that the Congress government had initiated work on critical care blocks after coming to power.
Referring to the Ayushman Bharat scheme, he said the state’s share amounted to nearly Rs. 26 crore under the scheme for the period 2023-27, but the state’s expenditure on it exceeded the given share by additional Rs. 204 crore approximately.
The Chief Minister said that during the previous BJP government’s tenure, residents of Himachal Pradesh had to travel outside the state for medical treatment costing approximately Rs. 1,000 crore.
He said the present government had invested its own resources to provide modern medical technology, on the lines of AIIMS Delhi, at all medical colleges across the state.
He further claimed that by closing avenues for corruption, the state government had generated an additional Rs. 4,000 crore in revenue, which was being used to implement public welfare schemes.
Taking aim at the former MLA from Lahaul-Spiti, the Chief Minister said: “I had never imagined that the local leader would betray the people of the region.” He added that the people of Himachal Pradesh were watching the political future of the leaders who had left the Congress.
Referring to the by-election in which the people of Lahaul-Spiti elected a woman MLA, he said that she was now fighting for the interests of the people of the region.
The Chief Minister said a major movement against vote theft was being built under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi. Accusing the BJP of horse-trading, he said an attempt was made to topple the present state government by bringing nine MLAs over to its side. However, with the blessings of God, state’s deities and the people, the government was continuing to function successfully.
The Chief Minister said the state government had also begun providing financial assistance of Rs. 1,500 to women, starting with women in Spiti.
He announced that the government was preparing to launch the ‘Apna Parivar, Sukhi Parivar’ scheme. Under the scheme, all eligible women in the state would be provided with a monthly pension of Rs. 1,500, and the families would be provided 300 units of free electricity and insurance coverage of Rs. 10 lakh per annum.
Earlier, MLA Anuradha Rana said that all the announcements made by the Chief Minister on 15 April, 2023 had been fulfilled.
She said the land of Buddhist culture symbolised compassion and love, and that the Chief Minister understood the problems of ordinary people because he himself had overcome difficulties through struggle.
She added that the Chief Minister was working to ensure round-the-clock electricity in the region over the next two to three years.
She said the region had previously faced a shortage of doctors, but specialist doctors had now been appointed. The region had also received a Block Medical Officer after 12 years.
Referring to the Nautor land issue, she said that the Congress had been fighting for the demand for a long time and that the state government was consistently raising the matter with the Governor.
She further said the state government was making efforts to promote tourism in Spiti. An ice hockey ground costing Rs. 75 crore and a cricket ground costing Rs. 8 crore had been approved for the region.
In addition, stargazing activities had been introduced and steps were being taken to promote winter sports.
District Congress President Dorje Larje, Panchayat Samiti President Chhering Dolma, Vice-President Mahindra, Block Congress President Chhering and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.
-0-1098/2026 SHIMLA 14 October, 2026
Government to build Kunzum tunnel; Survey to be conducted first: CM
• Rs. 500 crore to be spent on Spiti’s development in the coming years: Chief Minister
• Announcements include making Spiti a natural farming area, surveying a heliport site and exploring the possibility of opening a college
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has assured that a survey will be conducted and a Detailed Project Report (DPR) prepared for the construction of a tunnel beneath Kunzum Pass. He said the state government was making efforts to construct the tunnel, which would provide better road connectivity throughout the year to local residents and tourists.
The Chief Minister announced that Spiti valley would be declared a natural farming area and said that the possibility of opening a college in Kaza would be explored. In addition, gynaecologists and medicine specialists would be appointed in Kaza. He also assured that a survey would be conducted for the construction of a heliport in Kaza, which would boost tourism activities and benefit local residents.
Addressing a public meeting in Kaza during his two-day visit to Spiti valley, the Chief Minister said that the state government would spend Rs. 500 crore on Spiti’s development in the coming years. The Sumdo-Kaza transmission line is targeted for completion within three years, at an estimated cost of approximately Rs. 350 crore. He said the state government was working towards doubling the income of the people of Spiti.
Sh. Sukhu said that when he first visited the region on 15 April, 2023 to celebrate Himachal Day, local residents had raised the issue of electricity shortages. He said efforts to address the problem were now beginning to yield results on the ground.
He added that approximately 42 percent of Himachal Pradesh’s geographical area falls within cold desert regions. The state government was paying special attention to the development of the populations living in these areas and allocating additional funds for their welfare.
The Chief Minister said the state government was continuously working for the welfare of its employees. He said the government would consider releasing an instalment of Dearness Allowance on the occasion of Diwali.
He said the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) had been restored to provide employees with dignity and social security, and the government was considering bringing more employees under its coverage in the coming years.
He said that the Central Government had withheld Rs. 1,600 crore, which Himachal Pradesh was to receive every year, because the state had implemented the OPS.
The Chief Minister said Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda had questioned the state government’s expenditure on healthcare services. However, during the previous BJP government’s tenure, only 35 percent of the sanctioned staff positions were filled in the state’s medical colleges and other healthcare institutions. Under the present government’s efforts, staffing levels had increased to 70 percent, he said.
He added that the Congress government had initiated work on critical care blocks after coming to power.
Referring to the Ayushman Bharat scheme, he said the state’s share amounted to nearly Rs. 26 crore under the scheme for the period 2023-27, but the state’s expenditure on it exceeded the given share by additional Rs. 204 crore approximately.
The Chief Minister said that during the previous BJP government’s tenure, residents of Himachal Pradesh had to travel outside the state for medical treatment costing approximately Rs. 1,000 crore.
He said the present government had invested its own resources to provide modern medical technology, on the lines of AIIMS Delhi, at all medical colleges across the state.
He further claimed that by closing avenues for corruption, the state government had generated an additional Rs. 4,000 crore in revenue, which was being used to implement public welfare schemes.
Taking aim at the former MLA from Lahaul-Spiti, the Chief Minister said: “I had never imagined that the local leader would betray the people of the region.” He added that the people of Himachal Pradesh were watching the political future of the leaders who had left the Congress.
Referring to the by-election in which the people of Lahaul-Spiti elected a woman MLA, he said that she was now fighting for the interests of the people of the region.
The Chief Minister said a major movement against vote theft was being built under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi. Accusing the BJP of horse-trading, he said an attempt was made to topple the present state government by bringing nine MLAs over to its side. However, with the blessings of God, state’s deities and the people, the government was continuing to function successfully.
The Chief Minister said the state government had also begun providing financial assistance of Rs. 1,500 to women, starting with women in Spiti.
He announced that the government was preparing to launch the ‘Apna Parivar, Sukhi Parivar’ scheme. Under the scheme, all eligible women in the state would be provided with a monthly pension of Rs. 1,500, and the families would be provided 300 units of free electricity and insurance coverage of Rs. 10 lakh per annum.
Earlier, MLA Anuradha Rana said that all the announcements made by the Chief Minister on 15 April, 2023 had been fulfilled.
She said the land of Buddhist culture symbolised compassion and love, and that the Chief Minister understood the problems of ordinary people because he himself had overcome difficulties through struggle.
She added that the Chief Minister was working to ensure round-the-clock electricity in the region over the next two to three years.
She said the region had previously faced a shortage of doctors, but specialist doctors had now been appointed. The region had also received a Block Medical Officer after 12 years.
Referring to the Nautor land issue, she said that the Congress had been fighting for the demand for a long time and that the state government was consistently raising the matter with the Governor.
She further said the state government was making efforts to promote tourism in Spiti. An ice hockey ground costing Rs. 75 crore and a cricket ground costing Rs. 8 crore had been approved for the region.
In addition, stargazing activities had been introduced and steps were being taken to promote winter sports.
District Congress President Dorje Larje, Panchayat Samiti President Chhering Dolma, Vice-President Mahindra, Block Congress President Chhering and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.
