Rural Development Minister attends closing ceremony of Bharariya Thoda Sports Festival in Shimla district
Shimla, October 26: Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh attended the closing ceremony of the traditional Thoda Sports Festival at Bharariya village in Dharbhog Gram Panchayat of Shimla district as the chief guest. He congratulated the organisers on the successful completion of the festival and reiterated the state government’s commitment to strengthening rural infrastructure and public services.
Addressing the gathering, Singh said road construction, panchayat development, education, healthcare and basic amenities would remain key priorities for the government. He said proposals related to road construction and forest clearances were being pursued on a priority basis.
He said panchayat representatives had submitted the necessary documents for the construction and metalling of several roads in the area. The approval process for several roads under the Forest Rights Act (FRA) had progressed, while clearances for some others were expected soon. The forest clearance process for the Mundaghat road was also being pursued so that construction could begin once approval was granted.
The minister said efforts were underway to resolve issues related to forest land through legal proceedings and facilitate road projects under the applicable provisions of the Forest Rights Act. He urged panchayats to submit the required documents and no-objection certificates on time to avoid delays in development works.
Community Centre and Sports Ground to Be Developed
Singh said the government was prioritising the strengthening of panchayats and construction of panchayat buildings. He said the panchayat building in the area had been completed in about eight months.
He urged panchayat representatives to provide the necessary land documents for the proposed community centre so that forest clearance could be obtained and the existing ground developed into a stadium. He assured the gathering that efforts would be made to improve facilities at the ground, which had been developed through collective efforts and voluntary labour by local residents.
Koti-Parari Road Work Planned After Diwali
The minister said construction work on the Koti-Parari road was planned to begin after Diwali. He added that weather-related disruptions during the monsoon had affected development works, which would be expedited when conditions improved.
He said documents related to the construction and repair of other roads in the area had also been received and would be processed on priority.
Link Road Policy to Improve Rural Connectivity
Singh said the state government had issued a notification regarding the Link Road Policy to improve road connectivity in rural areas. The policy aims to facilitate access to remote settlements and ensure the movement of ambulances and other essential vehicles during emergencies.
He clarified that road width and the paved portion would be determined according to the prescribed departmental standards.
Veterinary and Education Facilities to Be Strengthened
Responding to demands raised by panchayat representatives, Singh said the proposal to establish a veterinary dispensary in the area would be examined in accordance with population requirements and departmental norms.
He said the possibility of providing veterinary services at the panchayat building on selected days of the week could also be explored, if required.
The minister added that efforts were being made to facilitate a school offering the CBSE curriculum in the area. Further steps would be considered in accordance with prescribed norms, student strength and the requirements of existing schools.
Proposal for Police Post at Koti Approved
Singh said the proposal to establish a police post at Koti had received approval at the previous Cabinet meeting. The process of identifying a suitable location for its operation was underway.
He added that, subject to the panchayat’s consent and the availability of facilities, the possibility of operating the police post from the old panchayat building could also be examined.
Funds Announced for Local Development
During the programme, the minister announced financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh for Dharbhog. He also announced Rs 1 lakh for the repair of the Kanagara-Dera Kyar road and another Rs 1 lakh for repairs to the Khal-Nala Kanda road.
He said demands submitted by panchayat representatives would be considered on priority and necessary steps taken to accelerate development in the area.
Singh also announced Rs 25,000 for the fair committee, Rs 15,000 each for two local Mahila Mandals and Rs 10,000 each for two local Thoda sports teams to encourage traditional sports and community participation.
Among those present were Shimla Municipal Corporation councillor Narendra Thakur, Fair Committee president Durga Singh, Mashobra Panchayat Samiti chairperson Tara Chand Thakur, Panchayat Samiti members Daulat Ram and Hemawati, Dharbhog panchayat pradhan Kamal Thakur, Shilong Bagh panchayat pradhan Vinod Thakur and other public representatives and dignitaries.
