Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy R.K. Singh, accompanied by the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, participated in an interaction programme with local villagers, organised under Vibrant Villages Programme at Chhitkul in District Kinnaur today.

During the interaction, the Chief Minister and Union Power Minister interacted and listened to the grievances of the local villagers. They assured the people that all their genuine demands would be considered on priority.

Interacting with the local villagers, the Chief Minister said that the State government was determined towards upliftment of the rural populace, especially that of tribal areas and was according top priority for it.  He said that the entire state of Himachal Pradesh has rich cultural heritage but that the cultural heritage of tribal areas has its own distinct identity, which attracts people from all over the world.

He also thanked the Union Power and New & Renewable Energy Minister for his visit to Himachal Pradesh.

While announcing the start of bus service from Chhitkul to Mandi, the Chief Minister assured to give sympathetic consideration to the demands for providing community hall, bus stand along with parking facilities, and construction of mini stadium at Chhitkul.

Addressing the gathering, the Union Power and New & Renewable Energy Minister said that the Vibrant Villages programme is an initiative of the Union Government to strengthen infrastructure facilities in the northern land border of the country and to provide all facilities there at par with those in cities. Chhitkul, Pooh, Nako, Leo and Chango villages of district Kinnaur will be developed under the Vibrant Villages Programme, informed the Minister.

The Union Minister informed the members of the community that a Central Public Sector Undertaking will adopt Chhitkul Village and assist the state government in developing it as Vibrant Village. “One Mega Watt power plant would be established in Chhitkul. Possibility of setting up micro hydel projects on rivulets of the area would also be explored. To promote tourism activities and the rich cultural heritage of the area, a cultural and tourist centre would also be established at Chhitkul.”

Later, the duo also visited the second Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Battalion post at Nagasti and interacted with ITBP officers and Jawans.

Earlier, the Chief Minister and Union Minister were accorded a warm welcome by district administration on their arrival at Kuppa.

The state Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi welcomed the Chief Minister and Union Minister on this occasion.

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PIB Delhi / Shimla | AM / DJM / PS

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