Former MLA Ravi Thakur Meets MP Kangana Ranaut in Manali, Urges Visit to Disaster-Hit Lahaul-Spiti
MP assures early visit and continued monitoring; athlete Tenzin Dolma seeks financial aid for global events.
Shimla:
Former MLA from Lahaul and Spiti and senior BJP leader Ravi Thakur met Kangana Ranaut, the Member of Parliament from Mandi constituency, during her visit to Manali on Thursday September 18. The meeting took place at her residence, where Ravi Thakur apprised the MP of the extensive damage caused by recent natural disasters in the tribal district of Lahaul-Spiti.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Thakur urged Ranaut to personally visit the affected areas to assess the ground realities and accelerate relief efforts. Responding to his request, MP Kangana Ranaut assured that she would soon undertake a visit to Lahaul-Spiti to take stock of the situation.
Ranaut stated that she has been in constant touch with the district administration and is receiving regular updates on the relief and rehabilitation measures underway. She emphasized the importance of ensuring timely assistance to the affected population and committed to monitoring the progress of the relief work closely.
Recalling her previous visit to Lahaul-Spiti earlier this year with Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, Ranaut said that they had jointly dedicated central projects worth Rs. 250 crore to the people of the region. These initiatives were aimed at strengthening infrastructure and boosting development in the tribal district.
During her current tour from Mandi to Manali, the MP also inspected various parts of the region, including the condition of the National Highway connecting Mandi to Lahaul-Spiti. Expressing concern over the deteriorated state of the highway, she stressed the urgent need for its repair and upgradation. “Improving the highway is a priority. It will directly benefit the people of Lahaul-Spiti by ensuring easier transportation of agricultural produce to markets and reviving tourism activities,” she said.
In a significant interaction during the visit, internationally acclaimed athlete Tenzin Dolma also met MP Kangana Ranaut under the leadership of Ravi Thakur. Tenzin, a mountain trail runner of global repute, sought financial support to participate in the upcoming World Mountain Trail Championship scheduled to be held in Spain from September 26 to 27. She informed the MP that this would be her third time representing India on the world stage. Additionally, she is also slated to compete in the 100-km Asian-Oceanian Championship in Bangkok in November.
Moved by her dedication and achievements, MP Kangana Ranaut assured Tenzin Dolma of financial assistance to support her participation in both international events, reaffirming her commitment to promoting local talent from the region.
The visit and meetings underscored MP Ranaut’s growing engagement with the concerns of the tribal districts and her efforts to balance development, disaster response, and support for youth and sports in Himachal Pradesh.
