To ensure all weather connectivity to the people of lahaul, efforts are afoot to complete the mega Rohtang tunnel project as soon as possible, said Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, while addressing a gathering at Udaipur in lahaul- Spiti district on Friday.
He said that out of total 8.9 km stretch of Rohtang tunnel under construction, 3.5 km had been completed so far.
The State Government was endeavouring to connect tribal and hard areas with tunnels, which would not only reduce the distances but would also boost tourism activities in these areas, he said.
Singh said that the issue of construction of tunnels namely Tissa to Killar below Chaini Pass, Karsehar to Telang below Bhubujot would be taken up with multi- lateral funding agencies. He said that State Government would ensure that the local youth may get adequate employment in the Hydel projects. Chief Minister said that the tribal people had always occupied a special place in the heart of Congress leadership and constraints of funds would not be a hurdle for carrying out developmental activities in tribal areas and benefit the people who continuous to be the priority of the present Government.
He said that a provision of Rs3.69 crore had been made for the year 2013-14 under Tribal Area Sub Plan to accelerate the pace of development in tribal areas of the State, which is 11 per cent more than the last financial year.Singh announced upgradation of Chimret Middle School to High School and added that sufficient funds would be provided for renovation of Senior Secondary School, Udaipur. He said that the vacant posts of teachers in tribal areas would be filled on priority basis.