Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Unveils Rs 2,000 Crore Water Purification Initiative
In a significant move to enhance public health infrastructure, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has announced that the state government will allocate Rs 2,000 crore in the upcoming financial year. This substantial investment is dedicated to implementing advanced modern technology for purifying drinking water across the state, with the primary objective of safeguarding residents' health and preventing the spread of water-borne diseases.
Foundation Stone Laid for Turkal Panga Water Scheme in Una District
Chief Minister Sukhu marked this announcement by laying the foundation stone for the Turkal Panga drinking water scheme in the Kutlehar assembly constituency of Una district. This specific project, with an estimated cost of Rs 14.92 crore, is designed to provide clean drinking water to over 10,000 residents. The beneficiary areas include the gram panchayats of Budhan, Chamyari, Dhungle, Lathiani, and Tanoh, promising a direct improvement in water quality and accessibility for these communities.
Additional Development Projects and Support Announced
During the event, CM Sukhu also inaugurated foundation stones for the Samarthya Gyandeep Library and the Samarthya Vyayamshala, underscoring the government's commitment to promoting education and fitness in the region. In his address to the gathering, he announced several other key developments:
- The establishment of a DSP office and a sub-judge court in Bangana to enhance law and judicial services.
- The opening of primary health centres in Rainsari and Lathiani to bolster healthcare access.
- Financial support of Rs 25,000 each for the Mahila Mandals present at the event, aimed at empowering women's groups in the area.
Sukhu Criticizes Punjab's Financial Management and Policies
In a pointed critique, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu compared Himachal Pradesh's financial health favorably against that of neighboring Punjab. He specifically targeted Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, asserting that Himachal's fiscal situation is stronger. Sukhu highlighted a key policy difference, noting that while Punjab has promised to reinstate the old pension scheme (OPS) for government employees, it has failed to implement it. In contrast, he emphasized that Himachal Pradesh approved the OPS in its very first cabinet meeting after his government took office.
Deputy CM Agnihotri Echoes Criticism and Raises Inter-State Issues
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri supported Sukhu's remarks, urging Punjab to address its own escalating debt, which he stated has reached Rs 4.5 lakh crore. Agnihotri further accused Punjab of delaying Supreme Court-mandated payments amounting to Rs 4,500 crore owed to Himachal Pradesh. He also alleged the occupation of the Shanan Hydel Project and the non-release of Himachal Pradesh's rightful 7.16% share in Chandigarh, framing these as longstanding inter-state disputes impacting Himachal's resources.
Attack on Previous BJP Government's Spending Practices
Turning his focus to domestic politics, Chief Minister Sukhu launched a sharp attack on the previous BJP government in Himachal Pradesh. He accused them of recklessly spending public funds to secure electoral victories. Sukhu alleged that during their tenure, buildings worth approximately Rs 1,000 crore were constructed primarily to benefit their political associates. He claimed that many of these structures are now lying vacant, representing what he described as a wasteful misuse of state resources that could have been directed towards more pressing public needs like the new water purification initiative.
