Himachal Pradesh CM Announces Rs. 2,000 Crore Plan for Clean Drinking Water, Lays Foundation Stones for Key Projects in Una.
Una:
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu laid the foundation stone of the Turkal Panga drinking water scheme in the Kutlehar Assembly constituency of Una district, a project costing Rs. 14.92 crore, which will benefit over 10,000 residents of Budhan, Chamyari, Dhungle, Lathiani, and Tanoh Gram Panchayats. Alongside, he inaugurated the Samarthya Gyandeep Library and Samarthya Vyayamshala.
Addressing a large public gathering, the Chief Minister announced the opening of a DSP office and Sub-Judge Court in Bangana, as well as Primary Health Centers in Rainsari and Lathiani. He further announced that Mahila Mandals present at the event would receive Rs. 25,000 each. Emphasizing his government’s focus on public health, CM Sukhu stated that Rs. 2,000 crore will be spent in the next financial year on modern water purification technology to ensure safe drinking water across the state.
The Chief Minister praised MLA Kutlehar Vivek Sharma for his dedication and frequent visits to the Secretariat to secure development for his constituency. Sukhu highlighted that after 32 years, a Congress MLA was elected from Kutlehar, contrasting the current leadership’s sincerity with the previous MLA’s alleged self-serving approach.
Taking a dig at the Punjab Finance Minister, CM Sukhu claimed Himachal Pradesh’s financial health was stronger than Punjab’s and highlighted the swift implementation of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) by his government, contrasting it with Punjab’s delay despite upcoming elections.
He recounted the state government’s efforts during the 2023 natural disaster, noting that 23,000 affected families were rehabilitated and 75,000 stranded tourists rescued. Despite financial constraints, the government increased relief amounts for fully damaged houses from Rs. 1.5 lakh to Rs. 7 lakh.
Sukhu criticized the previous BJP government for alleged reckless expenditure and anti-Himachal policies, pointing to vacant buildings worth Rs. 1,000 crore and weakening of employment rights under MNREGA. He noted that the state received Rs. 17,000 crore in Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG) under the current government compared to Rs. 70,000 crore during the BJP tenure, asserting that loans were being taken to repay previous debts while steadily moving towards financial self-reliance.
Highlighting improvements in education and healthcare, the CM said Himachal Pradesh had risen from 21st to 5th in providing quality education, with new CBSE schools being opened and all teaching staff to be appointed within two months. On healthcare, he noted Rs. 3,000 crore would be spent on high-end medical technology, with Thana-Kalan Hospital in Kutlehar already staffed with 10 doctors and specialists.
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri highlighted ongoing drinking water projects worth Rs. 1,000 crore in Una, including supplies to Mata Chintpurni Temple and nearby panchayats, and a Rs. 47 crore project for Kutlehar. He criticized Punjab for failing to provide Himachal Pradesh with its rightful share of resources, including payments from BBMB and Shanan Hydel Project allocations.
MLA Vivek Sharma praised the Chief Minister for his frequent visits and development focus, noting enhanced health services, disaster relief, and ongoing water supply improvements in Kutlehar.
The event was attended by MLA Rakesh Kalia, State Scheduled Caste Commission Chairman Kuldeep Dhiman, former MLA Satpal Raizada, Commission members Vijay Dogra and Digvijay Malhotra, Deputy Convener of the Drug De-addiction Board Sanjay Bhardwaj, District Congress President Desraj Gautam, other senior Congress leaders, panchayat representatives, and dignitaries.
This extensive push for clean drinking water and infrastructure development underscores the Himachal Pradesh government’s commitment to public health, disaster preparedness, education, and equitable growth across the state.
