SHIMLA -14th August, 2025

CM inaugurates first-ever ‘Zero Waste’ tribal festival in KeylongLays foundation stone of five bridges worth Rs. 36.42 crore in Udaipur sub-division

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu virtually inaugurated the tribal festival at Keylong in Lahaul-Spiti district from Shimla today. The festival, which would conclude on 16 August, is being organised for the first time in the State on the theme of “Zero Waste”.

The Chief Minister said the event would promote environmental conservation and showcase the unique art and culture of the district. It would provide tourists an opportunity to know the region better. He said that the festival symbolizes the commitment to preserving its heritage and would inspire people to celebrate responsibly.

Sh Sukhu said that climate change has posed serious challenges to the country and the State and Lahaul-Spiti was no exception, with unusually heavy rainfall in the district being a major cause of concern. The State Government was taking all possible measures to provide relief during disasters and was working with the Central government to ensure environmental protection. A team of scientists, with the Centre’s support was conducting a detailed study on incidents of cloudbursts.

The Chief Minister said that Lahaul-Spiti had emerged as a model district in women empowerment and the traditional products of the area would be promoted under the “Him-Ira” brand.

The Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for five bridges in Udaipur Sub-Division under PMGSY Phase-3, to be built at a cost of Rs. 36,41,78,000. These include a 35 metre steel truss bridge over Chaikhang Nallah costing Rs. 9.93 crore, a 49-metre double-lane steel truss bridge over the Chenab River costing Rs. 9.46 crore, a 22-metre RCC T-beam bridge over Kishori Nallah costing Rs. 17.68 crore, a 76-metre RCC beam bridge over Teling Nallah costing Rs. 13.35 crore and a 22-metre RCC beam bridge over Moring Nallah costing Rs. 1.89 crore.

MLA Anuradha Rana welcomed the Chief Minister and apprised him of the details of the festival. She also detailed regarding the heavy losses caused by rain in the district.

MLAs Harish Janartha and Suresh Kumar joined the Chief Minister in Shimla, while Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani, Deputy Commissioner Kiran Bhadana and other senior officers were present in Keylong.

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Contribution towards disaster relief fund

Principal Accountant General (Accounts and Entitlement), Shimla, Sushil Thakur, on behalf of the officers and employees of the office today presented Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu with a cheque of Rs. 5,01,000 for the Disaster Relief Fund.

The Chief Minister said that the state government was taking several innovative measures to ensure transparency and provide prompt public services. He siad that special emphasis was being placed on digitalization, with various public services being made available online.

Sushil Thakur apprised the Chief Minister of the various initiatives undertaken by the Accountant General’s office.

MLA Harish Janartha, DAG Sandeep Dawar, President of the Civil Audit Association Ashish Kumar, General Secretary Akshay Chauhan and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

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Contribution towards Disaster Relief Fund

Congress leader Jeevan Thakur presented a cheque of Rs. 1,56,101 to Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for Disaster Relief Fund here today.

Dr. Shweta Dogra presented a cheque of Rs. 25,000 to the Chief Minister for Disaster Relief Fund on behalf of Himachal Pradesh Dental Health Services and Welfare Committee, Baijnath, District Kangra.

Expressing gratitude for the contributions, the Chief Minister said that this amount would prove helpful in providing assistance to the needy.

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