Eye on bypoll, Himachal govt showers projects on Renuka, Nalagarh

SHIMLA: Residents of Renuka and Nalagarh assembly constituencies in Himachal Pradesh are on cloud nine these days. As, the state government has started showering development projects on the two areas. But the largesse is not without a reason. With byelection due in two months in the two assembly seats, winning these has become a prestige issue for the state BJP government.

Recently, during his visit to Nahan, chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal had announced several development projects much to the delight of locals, as the area has remained uncared-for for years.

How neglected has Renuka assembly constituency remained could be gauged from the fact that when the CM laid the foundation stone of ‘lift drinking water supply scheme’ for Nahan on Friday, it was after 100 years that the town witnessed the announcement of a scheme costing Rs 52.73 crore.

The water scheme will ensure regular supply of 135 litres per day to around 31,000 persons for 20 years. It will also ensure water supply to the residents of Nahan . It was in 1911, that a provision of drinking water supply was made for a population of 5,000. Later in 1962 and 1995-96, it was further augmented.

But now, the by-election might change the picture of Nahan as besides lift irrigation scheme, the CM also laid the foundation stones of a cooperative bank and a government college buildings to be constructed at a cost of Rs 97.71 lakh and Rs 7.24 crore, respectively.

Dhumal said the state government in the last three years has paid special attention to the development of Nahan. He added that 65 km roads, three bridges and 15 buildings were constructed in Nahan in the last three-and-a-half years.

After taking care of Renuka, now the state government has shifted its focus to Nalagarh. Claiming that the area development had always remained a priority of the present state government, Dhumal before addressing a public rally in Nalagarh on Sunday laid the foundation stone of Rs 17 crore sewerage scheme and Jogindra Central Co-operative Bank building.

Dhumal, while addressing people, announced the up-gradation of Nalagarh hospital from 50 bed to 100 bed and sanctioned Rs 1.03 crore for construction of staff quarters for doctors and paramedical staff.

He said Rs 82.22 crore were being spent on the construction of express highway in the area and three more national highways had been proposed to be constructed, of which two would be passing through Nalagarh.

Industrialists from Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh since long were demanding improvement of road condition and on Sunday, their long-pending demand was fulfilled when Dhumal said that Rs 20 crore had been sanctioned for the improvement, maintenance and repair of roads in Baddi, Barotiwala, Nalagarh, of which about Rs 9 crore was being spent in Nalagarh only. He added that Rs 28 crore were being spent to maintain the national highways in the district, especially in industrial areas of Nalagarh, Baddi, Barotiwala.