Chamba, April 15:— Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu declared Pangi in Chamba district as Himachal Pradesh’s first natural farming sub-division, announcing a revolving grant of Rs 5 crore to promote sustainable agriculture.
The announcement came during the state-level Himachal Day celebrations held in Pangi, where CM Sukhu unfurled the national flag and received a ceremonial salute from a parade led by IPS officer Ravi Nandan.
Addressing the gathering, Sukhu outlined a series of development initiatives aimed at transforming the remote tribal region. “Improving the Udaipur-Killar road remains a top priority,” he said, directing the Chamba and Lahaul-Spiti administrations to fast-track pending formalities.
In a major boost for local farmers, Sukhu announced a Minimum Support Price of Rs 60 per kg for naturally grown barley, alongside plans for a 10,000-litre milk processing plant in Pangi.
To strengthen power supply, the state will invest Rs 62 crore in the region, including Rs 5 crore for an 11 KV line from Tindi to Shaur and Rs 45.50 crore for a 33 KV line from Thirot to Killar.
Other key announcements include:
Rajiv Gandhi Day Boarding School in Pangi
Upgradation of Killar Civil Hospital to Adarsh Swasthya Sansthan
Status of sub-tehsil to Sach
20 new bus permits for the Valley
40% subsidy on new buses and four-month road tax exemption
50% registration fee waiver for homestays
Rs 1.5 crore for link roads
Funds for Mahila Mandal Bhawans
Paying tribute to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who visited Pangi in 1984, Sukhu called her visit a pivotal moment in the region’s development. “This is a testament to the Congress government’s commitment to tribal welfare,” he said.
Sukhu also claimed that the state economy has improved due to policy reforms, adding that six out of ten government guarantees have been fulfilled, with a focus on boosting the rural economy.
Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania, MLAs Sunder Thakur and Neeraj Nayyar, and HP State Cooperative Bank Chairman Devendra were also present.
