₹188.8 Crore Development Boost for Karsog

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for development projects worth ₹188.8 crore in Karsog constituency of Mandi district. The projects aim to strengthen local infrastructure, improve education and healthcare facilities, and promote rural development in the region.

Among the inaugurated projects were the newly constructed Integrated Office Building built at a cost of ₹34.25 crore and the Subject Matter Specialist Horticulture Office Building costing ₹1.67 crore. Sukhu also inaugurated the Panchayat Community Centre at Triman (₹29.51 lakh), beautification works at Mahunag Temple complex (₹90.11 lakh), construction projects in Mehandi Gram Panchayat (₹71.57 lakh), a health sub-centre at Bhanthal (₹13 lakh), and a Panchayat Community Centre at Sui Kufridhār (₹32.74 lakh). He also opened the “Apna Pustakalaya” (Community Library) built for ₹13.75 lakh within the Integrated Office Building.

The Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for a ₹55 crore sewerage project for Karsog and nearby villages. Other infrastructure upgrades announced include the Bhakrot–Karsog–Sanarli–Sainj Road (₹31.80 lakh), Khil–Bhagelu Road (₹13.18 crore), Khil–Bhagelu (Kelodhar–Garjoob) Road (₹19.75 crore), Chhalog–Baghail Road (₹11.06 crore), and Kelodhar–Sainj Road (₹18.60 crore).

In the education sector, Sukhu announced that the Government Senior Secondary School, Karsog, will be converted into a Rajiv Gandhi Day-Boarding School and affiliated to CBSE from the next financial year. Schools in Tibban and Pangna will also be affiliated to CBSE, he added.

To enhance infrastructure and public services, the Chief Minister announced the setting up of a 66 kV substation and a milk processing plant in Karsog. Three new Patwar Circles will also be opened in Sanarli, Mated, and Banera. “The Tattapani–Bhakraout road will be upgraded, and adequate funds will be provided to complete the Industrial Training Institute (ITI) in Karsog, which will also introduce new courses in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning,” he said.

Addressing disaster relief, Sukhu acknowledged the severe damage caused by heavy monsoon rains and announced ₹7 lakh each as rehabilitation assistance for 94 fully damaged houses. He also said the state government is conducting a study to examine the causes of frequent cloudbursts.

To strengthen the rural economy, Sukhu said the government is purchasing crops grown through natural farming at remunerative prices — ₹60 per kg for wheat, ₹40 per kg for maize, and ₹90 per kg for raw turmeric. “Over the past two years, MGNREGA wages have been raised by ₹80 to support rural workers,” he added.

The Chief Minister reaffirmed his government’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable development. Health Minister Dhani Ram Shandil and local leaders were also present at the event.