Shimla: Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur today laid foundation stones of four development projects worth Rs. 55 crore which includes Rs. 19.82 crore Sabzi Mandi at Darni Ka Bagicha (Shimla), Rs. 9.82 crore flyover at Khalini Chowk, Rs. 7.62 crore foot over bridges phase-II and III near Vikasnagar and Rs. 17.18 crore Bus Stand, Transport Office, Workshop and Commercial Complex, Dhalli in Shimla town.
While addressing public meeting at Dhalli, Chief Minister said that all the projects foundation stone of which were laid by him today would not only prove to be a landmark of Shimla town, but would also facilitate the locals as well as the tourists. He said that Shimla was not only the capital of the State, but has also distinction of being summer capital of British India and tourist destination. He said that the State Government was committed to restore the old glory of Shimla town, besides making it a smart city. He said that efforts were being made to widen existing roads, construct pedestrian paths and parking slots, improve water supply, beautify parks etc.
Jai Ram Thakur said that Rs. 70 crore Chabba water supply scheme was completed in a record time of nine months after the Shimla town witnessed unprecedented water crisis during the summer of 2018. He said that this has solved the water problem of the Shimla town. He also accused the previous Government for ignoring the interests of people of Shimla town. He said that the present State Government has initiated several projects for Shimla town to facilitate the people of the State capital. He said that adequate budget was provided by the present Government for construction of new OPD Block of IGMC Shimla. The opposition leaders were trying to take credit of this building, which was unfortunate, he added.
Chief Minister said that Rs. 1813 crore water supply scheme was being constructed for Shimla town, which on completion would provide 24 hours water supply to the people of Shimla town. He said that the double lane tunnel was being constructed in Dhalli, which would ensure smooth and uninterrupted plying of vehicle on this busy route. He said that not even a single tunnel was constructed after independence in Shimla town.
Jai Ram Thakur said that the State Government has ensured unprecedented development in all areas of the State. He said that special focus was laid on upliftment of the weaker sections of the society during the last four and a half years. All the welfare schemes of the State Government were aimed at ensuring socio-economic upliftment of the poor and vulnerable sections of the society, he added.
Chief Minister said that he was a silent worker and does not believe in politics of vendetta and vengeance. He also thanked the Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his benevolence towards the State and its people. He said that Prime Minister chose Shimla for celebrating the eight years of the NDA Government in office and again for organizing the Chief Secretaries Conference at Dharamshala, which shows his affection towards the State and its people. The frequent visits of the Prime Minister to the State were not going well with the Congress leaders, he said.
Jai Ram Thakur said that in the coming time, process of land acquisition would be initiated for construction of international airport at Mandi and railway network would also be strengthened soon. He said that 20 more electric buses would be provided for Shimla town and 15 electric buses for Dharamshala town, to facilitate the commuters of these towns. He said that charging station would also be setup at Taradevi.
Earlier, the Chief Minister flagged off 21 advanced fire fighting vehicles worth Rs. 7.64 crore for different parts of the State from The Ridge, Shimla today.
Urban Development Minister Suresh Bhardwaj thanked the Chief Minister for laying foundation stone of Rs. 20 crore Sabzi Mandi and several other projects under AMRUT which would go a long way in providing world class facilities to the locals as well as tourists visiting the State capital. He said the Dhalli Bus Stand would be constructed at a cost of Rs. 17 crore under Smart City Project. He urged the people of Shimla town to cooperate with authorities to make Shimla a ‘Smart City’ in real sense. He also thanked the Chief Minister for initiating several schemes for the welfare of the poor and downtrodden.
Kasumpti Mandal BJP President Jitender Kumar welcomed the Chief Minister and other dignitaries present on the occasion.
Chairperson Saksham Gudiya Board Roopa Sharma, Chairman HIMFED Ganesh Dutt, Chairman APMC Naresh Sharma, Chairman Agriculture Marketing Board Baldev Bhandari, MD HRTC Sandeep Kumar, BJP leaders Vijay Jyoti Sen and Dr. Pramod Sharma and other senior leaders were also present on the occasion.
