The Annandale ground in Shimla would remain in possession of army as this was the only place which was open and suitable for strategic purposes and for conducting disaster relief and management exercises, Himachal Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh said on Wednesday,
Addressing a Civil Military liaison Conference held at Western Command headquarters, Chandimandir, the Chief Minister said the national security could not be ignored for ‘game and gimmicks’ as the proposal for cricket ground and stadium there would destroy the greenery and become like a concrete jungle.
The ground was handed over to army after the Second World War from strategic point of view and was the only place where in times of emergencies helicopters could land.
“We are committed for security of the Country and I well realise the importance of the ground on account of defence services and for the very purpose it was handed over to the army for the sake of the Nation”, remarked the Chief Minister.
He said Himachal Pradesh had made substantial contribution to the armed forces of the Country and was considered as a State wherein there was a tradition that from every house one may serve in army or paramilitary forces. He said that we were committed to the welfare of both serving and retired soldiers and their families.
The Chief Minister assured that the government would also support the efforts of army authorities for getting No Objection Certificates from various department for establishing Military Stations on land adjoining Una and Bilaspur districts as it would be in overall interest keeping in view the prevailing security scenario. The government will also support the cause of the army for other clearances assured the Chief Minister besides pursuing the same at various levels.
Army Commander Western Command, lieutenant General Surinder Singh said that for the welfare of the army veterans, the health institutions empanelled should have more facilities for providing medical care to the ex-servicemen and their families at their door step. He said that to fulfil the operational commitment of deploying more men near border areas, additional land was required in areas important form strategic point of view.
Himachal Social Justice and Empowerment Minister, Dhani Ram Shandil, Chief Secretary. V.C. Pharka, Additional Chief Secretaries Tarun Shridhar and Narinder Chauhan, DGP, Shri Sanjay Kumar, besides other senior Civil, Army and police officers were present in the meeting.