Key issues include parking facilities at tourist spots, improved healthcare, reliable bus services and infrastructure development
Lahaul-Spiti: A meeting of the Lahaul-Spiti Zila Parishad was held under the chairpersonship of Thinley Dechen at the Zila Parishad conference hall to review ongoing development works and discuss issues concerning public welfare. Project Officer of the Integrated Tribal Development Project (ITDP) Ashwani Kumar, District Panchayat Officer and Zila Parishad Secretary Sanjay Kumar, elected representatives and officials from various departments attended the meeting.
The meeting reviewed development works undertaken by different departments and emphasised better coordination between the Zila Parishad and government departments to ensure the timely completion of projects. Members discussed local infrastructure requirements, tourism facilities and public grievances, stressing the need for effective implementation of development initiatives across the district.
Tourism infrastructure emerged as a key focus, with members calling for the identification of major tourist destinations and suitable vehicle parking areas in coordination with the police and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). The need for public toilets, information and directional signboards, safety arrangements and railings at prominent tourist spots was also highlighted. The construction of a public toilet near the Trilokinath bus stand was discussed to improve convenience for both residents and visitors.
During the review of electricity-related issues, members discussed the need to upgrade transformer capacity in the Sissu and Shashin Nala areas and reviewed the status of transformer installation. The possibility of underground electricity lines was also considered. Works related to the Public Works Department and the Jal Shakti Department were reviewed as part of the broader assessment of local infrastructure needs.
Rural development and Panchayati Raj issues included the construction of a panchayat ghar in Ghoshal gram panchayat and the availability of an Anganwadi building. Officials informed the meeting about the proposal to start an Anganwadi centre in the senior secondary school building. Members also discussed the demand for reopening the Government Primary School in Kolong gram panchayat.
The meeting also highlighted the need to improve Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) services by revising bus timings and extending transport facilities to areas that currently lack adequate connectivity. Members stressed that reliable public transport was essential for residents living in remote and geographically challenging parts of the district.
Reviewing agriculture and horticulture-related issues, the committee emphasised organising awareness camps in villages to educate farmers and orchardists about crop diseases and problems affecting fruits and vegetables. Officials were also asked to take necessary action, with police assistance, against the unauthorised sale of plants. Departments were directed to submit details of sanctioned posts at the earliest.
Healthcare services in the Kaza region also came under discussion, with members stressing the need to strengthen the availability of doctors, medicines, ambulances and emergency medical services. They said improved healthcare infrastructure was essential to ensure timely treatment for residents, particularly those living in remote areas.
Those present included Zila Parishad Vice-Chairperson Suresh Kumar and members Ram Singh (Kolong), Poonam Devi (Jahlama), Rub Dehi (Udaipur), Shashi Kiran (Keylong), Sonam Bodh (Sissu) and Ranjit (Trilokinath). Officials attending the meeting included Jal Shakti Department Executive Engineer Ajay Gupta, Public Works Department Executive Engineer Ashwani Kumar Guleria, Electricity Department Executive Engineer Surya Sharma, Naib Tehsildar Sher Singh, Agriculture Department Director Chaudhary Ram and HRTC Regional Manager Anchit Sharma, along with other departmental officers and staff.
