Lahaul-Spiti Zila Parishad Reviews Development Works, Seeks Better Tourism and Health Facilities.
Shimla:
The Lahaul-Spiti Zila Parishad reviewed development works across various departments and discussed measures to improve tourism infrastructure, public transport, healthcare, electricity supply and basic amenities during a meeting held under the chairpersonship of Thinley Dichen at the Zila Parishad conference hall in Keylong.
The meeting was attended by Ashwani Kumar, Project Officer of the Integrated Tribal Development Project (ITDP), and Sanjay Kumar, District Panchayat Officer and Secretary of the Zila Parishad, along with elected representatives and officials from various departments.
Emphasising coordinated efforts for development, the members called for better coordination between the Zila Parishad and government departments to ensure the timely completion of projects and effective resolution of public grievances.
Tourism infrastructure emerged as a key focus, with discussions on identifying suitable parking spaces at major tourist destinations in the district. The members stressed the need to coordinate with the police and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to identify appropriate parking locations. They also highlighted the requirement for public toilets, information and direction boards, safety arrangements and railings at important tourist spots. The need to construct a public toilet near the Trilokinath bus stand was also raised to improve convenience for tourists and local residents.
During the review of electricity-related issues, the meeting discussed increasing the capacity of transformers in Sissu and the Shashin Nala area, besides reviewing their installation status. The possibility of laying underground electricity lines was also considered. Works undertaken by the Public Works Department and the Jal Shakti Department were reviewed.
Rural development and Panchayati Raj issues included the construction of a panchayat building and the availability of an Anganwadi building in Gushal gram panchayat. Officials informed the meeting about the proposal to start an Anganwadi centre in the senior secondary school building. The demand to reopen the government primary school in Kolong gram panchayat was also discussed.
Improving public transport services was another major concern. Representatives urged the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) to improve bus schedules and provide transport facilities to areas that currently lack regular bus connectivity.
The Agriculture and Horticulture departments were asked to organise awareness camps in villages to educate farmers and orchardists about crop diseases affecting fruits and vegetables. The meeting also stressed action against unauthorised plant sales in coordination with the police. Departments were directed to submit details of sanctioned posts promptly.
Healthcare facilities in Kaza also came under discussion, with members emphasising the need to strengthen the availability of doctors, medicines, ambulances and emergency medical services to ensure timely treatment for residents.
Zila Parishad Vice-Chairperson Suresh Kumar and members Ram Singh, Poonam Devi, Roob Dei, Shashi Kiran, Sonam Bodh and Ranjit attended the meeting. Executive Engineers Ajay Gupta, Ashwani Kumar Guleria and Surya Sharma, Naib Tehsildar Sher Singh, Agriculture Department Director Chaudhary Ram and HRTC Regional Manager Anchit Sharma were among the officials present.
