Himachal Pradesh News
Smart City Project Turned Dharamsala Into a ‘Concrete Jungle’, Says Himachal Minister
Ahead of the upcoming Dharamsala Municipal Corporation elections, Himachal Pradesh Agriculture Minister Chaudhary Chander Kumar launched a sharp attack on the BJP, alleging that the Smart City project transformed Dharamsala into a “concrete jungle” due to poor planning, mismanagement, and misuse of public funds.
Ahead of the upcoming Dharamsala Municipal Corporation elections, Himachal Pradesh Agriculture Minister Chaudhary Chander Kumar launched a sharp attack on the BJP, alleging that the Smart City project transformed Dharamsala into a “concrete jungle” due to poor planning, mismanagement, and misuse of public funds.
Speaking at a press conference in Dharamsala on Friday, the senior Congress leader expressed confidence in the Congress party’s victory in the civic body elections. He also described the BJP as a “divided house” struggling with internal conflicts ahead of the polls.
Smart City Project Failed to Deliver Basic Facilities
Chander Kumar claimed that the original blueprint for the Smart City project was prepared during the previous Congress government when current Dharamsala MLA Sudhir Sharma served as the Urban Development Minister. However, he alleged that crucial infrastructure such as sewerage systems was ignored during implementation.
According to the minister, large-scale construction activities were carried out without proper planning, affecting the natural beauty and urban balance of Dharamsala.
“The Smart City concept has completely failed. Dharamsala neither looks like a model town nor a developed city. Huge amounts were spent, but residents are still deprived of basic amenities,” Kumar said.
He further alleged that several Smart City projects, including automatic garbage bins and modern streetlights, are no longer functioning properly despite crores being spent on them.
Minister Demands Probe Into Smart City Irregularities
The Congress leader also raised questions over the construction of the Tulip Garden in Dharamsala. He alleged that the project was developed on forest land without proper approvals before later being handed over to the Forest Department.
Demanding a detailed investigation, Kumar said the public deserves transparency regarding the expenditure and execution of Smart City works.
The remarks are expected to intensify the political battle between Congress and BJP in Himachal Pradesh as local body elections approach.
Congress Highlights Poll Guarantees and Welfare Schemes
Defending the performance of the Congress-led state government, Chander Kumar said the government fulfilled several key election promises despite financial challenges.
He highlighted initiatives such as:
- Restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS)
- Procurement of cow milk at Rs 60 per litre
- Buffalo milk procurement at Rs 80 per litre
- Upcoming Rs 235-crore dairy plant at Dhagwar
The minister also accused the BJP of using central agencies like the ED and CBI against opposition leaders and alleged that the party has a history of attempting to topple elected governments.
Voter Shift Allegations Ahead of Dharamsala MC Polls
Responding to reports regarding voters allegedly being shifted between wards, Kumar said objections could have been raised during the voter list revision process. He assured that any complaints related to voter transfers would be reviewed by the authorities.
With the Dharamsala Municipal Corporation elections drawing closer, political campaigning in the hill town has intensified, with both Congress and BJP targeting each other over development, governance, and local civic issues.
