HP to develop Himani Chamunda Temple as tourist destination

Shimla, Jun 19 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal today said that Himani Chamunda Temple, which is 13 km from famous Chamunda Temple, would be developed to attract tourists as well as devotees.

He dedicated the Martyr Capt Vikram Batra Government Degree College building constructed at a cost of Rs 7.65 crore at Palampur and the bridge over Baner Khad on Barsar-Jeeya-Hardi-Jugehad road constructed at a cost of Rs 1.20 crore to the people of the area.

While addressing a public meeting at Kharti in Palampur sub-division of district Kangra, he said that Rs five crore had been sanctioned for Palampur By-pass and construction work would be started soon.

He said that World Bank aided Rs 1365 crore ambitious project for construction and maintenance of roads of the state had been launched in the state and added that Palampur-Dharmshala road would also be upgraded under the project. He said that all the main state and district roads would be upgraded under the project.

The chief minister said that Capt Saurabh Kalia Van Vihar would also be developed into a tourist destination with participation of private sector.

The Chief Minister paid rich tributes to the martyrs who laid down their lives for the country. He said that Himachal Pradesh, especially Palampur was the land of warriors as the winner of first Param Vir Chakra, Major Som Nath belonged to the area and added that Capt. Vikram Batra was also from Palampur. He said that State Government was committed to the welfare of the serving and ex- servicemen in armed forces.

He said that State Government has decided to provide free soil testing facilities to all the 12 lakh farmers of the State and added that one lakh farmers would be provided this facility during current financial year.

Member of Parliament and Senior BJP Leader Shanta Kumar said that there was immense scope for exploiting hydel potential in the state and added that tourism and hydel power generation are two main sectors which could make the State self-reliant besides generating employment.

UNI XC PS VN2115