CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Announces Shivdham to be completed in Two years with Rs 100 Crore
Mandi: In a major announcement made at the International Shivratri Festival inauguration here, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced a Rs 100 crore fund for the completion of the long-awaited Shivdham project, a dream initiative of former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur. The announcement was made by CM Sukhu during the inaugural of the seven-day festival at the Paddal Ground.
Sukhu asserted that the project, dedicated to Lord Shiva, would be developed into a grand and attractive spiritual destination in the land of the God. Assuring the people, he said the rest of the work would be concluded in next two years besides the site becoming major attraction of the region. “Shivdham is not meant to be a mirage; it has to be a towering grand shrine and abode in reverence of Lord Shiva,” Sukhu said, hinting that he would get the project slated for completion.
Referring to a political jab at Jairam Thakur, Sukhu stated that during Thakur’s tenure as CM, there was plenty of discussion on the project, but nothing was to show for it. “There were a lot of big declarations, but nothing was done to change Mandi under his leadership,” Sukhu said. The CM also called the remarks made by Thakur on his own visit to Mahakumbh in Prayagraj as inappropriate. The statement was also laced with political rhetoric given that Sukhu and Kejriwal have been clashing at various fronts.
The CM also met many of the concerns over the Balh airport project and explained over the matter a lot especially during the tenure of Jairam Thakur. Sukhu indicated that the airport project on fertile agricultural land in Balh which had been proposed by Thakur was not supported by the current state government. Thakur had assured farmers that if any issues arose, they would be addressed in due course, but the project had not received any clear endorsement, he observed. That led to speculation that the airport might not be built at its proposed site.
Sukhu used the occasion to speak of the problems his government has had since it took office. He noted the government’s resilience through political and economic crises. “Ever since the by-elections, some BJP leaders and social media users have been making personal comments on me, but I am not afraid,” said Sukhu, claiming he would keep taking decisions in favour of the public.
The CM also announced a major healthcare initiative and said the state government will spend Rs 1,800 crore for replacing old machinery with modern technology in hospitals. “There are old machines still in use in our hospitals while technology has changed considerably. This fund would ensure that the people get best of healthcare facilities,” Sukhu said.
The CM was greeted warmly in Mandi prior to his address and at the DC office he was presented with a traditional turban. The Chief Minister also offered prayers at the Raj Madhav Rai temple and took part in the traditional Jaleb, a cultural procession. Sukhu also inaugurated the “Apna Pustakalaya Abhiyan” and the “Divyam App” of the district administration, besides releasing the coffee table book and a souvenir related to the festival.
Sukhu also felicitated ADC Mandi Rohit Rathore, SDM Balh Smritika Negi, and District Welfare Officer Sameer for their outstanding contributions. The CM also announced a 5 percent hike in the offerings to the deities during the Shivratri festival.
Several other senior political leaders such as Dharampur MLA Chandrashekhar, Kullu MLA Sunder Thakur, Bhoranj MLA Suresh Kumar and former ministers Kaul Singh Thakur and Prakash Chaudhary also attended the event to express their support to the initiatives taken by the CM.
Local communities are excited about the project and eagerly await the announcements about the Rs 100 crore funding and its intended outcome as a prime “cultural and spiritual centre” in Haryana and Himachal Pradesh with Shivdham creating interest at the national level.
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