Himachal Pradesh Cabinet Minister Vikramaditya Singh Thursday said that while development projects are vital for the state’s progress, it is equally important to respect local Dev Parampara (deities) and the religious sentiments of the people.
“Progress should not come at the cost of faith. Before undertaking any construction in areas of religious importance, the consent and blessings of local deities must be sought,” The PWD Minister said.
Referring to the proposed Bijli Mahadev Ropeway project in Kullu and another project in Chamba, he said, “We should always take into account the Dev Paramparas and religious sentiments of locals when proposing ropeway or infrastructure projects in sacred areas. In the case of the proposed Bijli Mahadev Ropeway particularly, the voice of the Devtas must be heard and respected”.
Singh was responding to media queries about the recent Badi Jagti (divine assembly) held at Naggar in Kullu, where local deities and their followers expressed objections to the proposed ropeway connecting Pirdi with the revered Bijli Mahadev shrine atop a hill in Kullu.
Recently, a delegation led by former MP Maheshwar Singh and comprising members of the Bijli Mahadev Sangharsh Samiti and the Bijli Mahadev Mandir Committee recently met a three-member panel headed by Union Health Minister JP Nadda in New Delhi and submitted a report detailing the “widespread resentment” against the Rs 284-crore project.
Singh, meanwhile, informed that Centre has given in principle nod to 294 road-related proposals, covering a cumulative length of 1,538 kilometres in rural areas with a total project cost of Rs 2,271 crore. The roads will come up under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) Phase-IV and
“The approval will pave the way for connecting 111 habitations under Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan(PM-JANMAN) and Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY),” Singh said, adding that Centre has also granted a special provision to integrate maintenance works of PMGSY Phase-I roads under the PMGSY-IV programme.
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Singh acknowledged that around 700 habitations with populations of about 250 people each in Himachal Pradesh still lack road access. “We are making consistent efforts to extend road connectivity to these remote villages. The government is committed to ensuring road connectivity in every part of Himachal Pradesh. Land donors play a crucial role in making these projects possible,” Singh said.
He noted that the delay in several road projects was mainly due to issues of private land ownership. He urged locals to cooperate with the government by voluntarily executing gift deeds in favour of the department to facilitate timely construction.
Singh also admitted that payments to some contractors were pending due to technical glitches in the treasury system. “A portion of payments has been released, and the remaining dues will be cleared shortly,” he assured.
Addressing concerns over the quality of tarring and repair works, the minister said that a committee headed by the PWD Secretary has been constituted to inspect the works and submit a report within a week. “Action will be taken against contractors found guilty of negligence or poor-quality work,” Singh warned.
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He added that with clear weather, the department has accelerated tarring and resurfacing work across the state to ensure all-weather connectivity before winter.
