Shimla (Kameshwar Sharma): Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh today laid the foundation stone for two roads and two panchayat community buildings worth ₹5.68 crore in the Dudhli area under Kasumpti Assembly constituency.
Paying obeisance to Shri Padhai Mata on the occasion, the minister said that Dudhli is located near the suburban area of Bharari in Shimla, and efforts are being made to improve connectivity and ease of movement for residents in the region.
He stated that the government is working to connect all villages of the constituency with main roads. As part of this initiative, a road to Tood village will be constructed at a cost of ₹2.52 crore. Additionally, ₹87 lakh will be spent on constructing the Bharari-Ragyan to Kanaaina road. He directed officials to expedite the tender process and begin construction work at the earliest.
The minister also laid the foundation stone for Panchayat Community Buildings at Dudhli and Tood, each costing ₹1.14 crore. He said these buildings will be used for gram sabhas, panchayat-related work, as well as social functions such as marriages and community events.
Anirudh Singh said that balanced development is being ensured across all 38 panchayats and 12 urban bodies under Kasumpti constituency. He added that nearly ₹200 crore has been sanctioned for road development in the past three years. Out of approximately 325 roads demanded in the region, formalities including FRA clearance for 150 roads have been completed, while around 100 smaller roads have already been completed and inaugurated.
He further stated that the Auckland Tunnel to Kamyana road has been widened and paved, while work is underway to extend connectivity from Kamyana to Dumy-Shida and further link it to Kadechi road.
Highlighting women empowerment initiatives, the minister said 60 food vans have been provided to women’s self-help groups to promote local products and traditional cuisine. He encouraged more women’s groups to apply for the scheme.
He also informed that a major tourism project worth ₹7 crore is under construction at Kamyana Hill Top, which will include cottages, tent facilities, and other tourist amenities.
On infrastructure development, he said 40–50 electricity transformers have been installed or upgraded to resolve low voltage issues, and officials have been instructed to ensure safe installation heights to prevent electrical hazards.
The minister announced that a Plastic Management Centre is being established in Dumy Panchayat, with the tender process already completed. He urged residents to dispose of waste responsibly to protect the environment.
He also said the state government has decided to provide e-rickshaws to all panchayats to improve mobility in hilly regions.
The event was attended by senior officials, Congress leaders, panchayat representatives, and a large number of local residents.
