Himachal Pradesh News
Himachal Pradesh Plans New Scrap Policy, Pushes Temple Tourism & Flags Jal Jeevan Funding Delays
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has announced that the state will soon introduce a comprehensive scrap policy aimed at the time-bound disposal of obsolete machinery and equipment.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has announced that the state will soon introduce a comprehensive scrap policy aimed at the time-bound disposal of obsolete machinery and equipment.
Speaking during the Question Hour in the Assembly, Sukhu highlighted a problem most people quietly notice but rarely discuss — piles of unused machinery and junk lying across schools, colleges, hospitals, and government offices.
This growing scrap not only damages the environment but also affects the overall appearance of public institutions. The upcoming policy is expected to bring a structured and transparent system for disposal, ensuring departments act within defined timelines. The proposal will soon be placed before the Cabinet for approval.
Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh added that while scrap disposal mainly falls under the Industries Department, the PWD will create its own internal mechanism to handle unused machinery.
💧 Jal Jeevan Mission: Funds Still Pending
Addressing concerns around the Jal Jeevan Mission, Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri clarified that the scheme is strictly meant for providing drinking water, not for constructing rest houses.
He revealed that the Centre has asked the state to fund 25 proposed rest houses using its own resources.
More importantly, Agnihotri pointed out a significant delay — ₹1,227 crore under the scheme is still pending from the Centre. He explained that no funds were released last year due to nationwide inspections, but there is now an indication that funds will be released as per guidelines.
Once the funds arrive, the state plans to fast-track pending water supply projects, bringing relief to many rural areas.
🛕 Naina Devi Temple Development Gets a Boost — With Caution
The government is also focusing on strengthening religious tourism, with a major development plan for the famous Naina Devi Temple.
The proposed master plan includes:
- A lift facility for elderly and differently-abled pilgrims
- Wider roads for smoother access
- Better infrastructure for local shopkeepers
A budget of ₹25 crore has been allocated for development work at Naina Devi and Jwalamukhi Temple.
However, there’s a critical concern. The Naina Devi region is classified as a geologically sensitive zone, which limits heavy construction.
Agnihotri also recalled the tragic 2008 Naina Devi stampede, emphasizing the need for safer infrastructure. The Temple Trust has recommended alternative routes to improve crowd management and avoid similar incidents in the future.
Interestingly, the cost of the proposed lift project has doubled from ₹6 crore to ₹12 crore, mainly due to enhanced safety and technical requirements.
