Lahaul-Spiti, October 23: BJP Himachal Pradesh State In-Charge and Mathura MLA Shrikant Sharma, while addressing an organisational meeting of the Spiti Mandal, said that the Central Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accorded special priority to the development of remote, tribal and strategically important border regions such as Lahaul-Spiti.
He said that infrastructure projects worth thousands of crores initiated by the Central Government have significantly strengthened road connectivity, tourism, employment opportunities and national security in the region.
Sharma highlighted the 9.02-kilometre-long Atal Tunnel Rohtang, constructed at a cost of approximately ₹3,200 crore, as a historic achievement of the Modi Government. Dedicated to the nation in 2020, the tunnel has reduced the Manali-Leh distance by approximately 46 kilometres and shortened travel time by nearly four to five hours, providing immense relief to residents of the Lahaul Valley.
He further stated that the approximately ₹1,400-crore Sumdo-Kaza-Gramphu road widening project would play a crucial role in strengthening connectivity across the Spiti region. The strategically important road is being developed through the Border Roads Organisation to improve transportation and accessibility.
Sharma said that 20 villages in the Spiti region have been included under the Central Government's Vibrant Villages Programme, which focuses on improving roads, telecommunications, tourism, livelihood opportunities and essential infrastructure in border villages.
He also highlighted that 294 road projects worth over ₹2,247 crore have been sanctioned for Himachal Pradesh under the fourth phase of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, including two roads in Lahaul-Spiti district.
Expressing serious concern over the growing menace of drugs and chitta, Sharma criticised the Congress-led Himachal Pradesh Government, alleging that effective action against drug trafficking networks has been inadequate.
He said that the drug menace in Himachal Pradesh and neighbouring Punjab requires strong, coordinated action and that no individual involved in drug trafficking should receive political protection.
Using the term "cockroaches" for elements allegedly protecting the drug trade, Sharma said such forces pose a serious threat to society and the future of the younger generation.
He emphasised that drug trafficking networks must be uprooted completely and that strict legal action should be taken against traffickers and anyone found protecting them, irrespective of political affiliations.
Sharma called upon BJP workers to strengthen the organisation at the booth level, communicate the Central Government's developmental achievements to every household and actively participate in campaigns against drug abuse.
He reiterated that the development of Lahaul-Spiti, the protection of its youth and the prosperity of border villages remain important priorities for the BJP.