The proposed visit of Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare JP Nadda to Lahaul-Spiti, scheduled for July 11, has been postponed due to adverse weather conditions, former MLA Ravi Thakur announced on Friday. The visit was to include the foundation stone laying ceremony for the ICMR Centre for High Altitude Medicine and Public Health at Keylong, a project estimated at Rs 35 crore.
Adverse weather forces postponement
Thakur stated that continuous heavy rainfall, landslides, and road damage made travel unsafe in the region. According to the Union Health Ministry, the minister's visit will be rescheduled before September, and the foundation stone ceremony will take place during the revised tour.
ICMR centre to benefit Himalayan region
Thakur noted that Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur and BJP state president Rajeev Bindal were expected to accompany Nadda. The ICMR centre is intended to benefit not only Lahaul-Spiti but the entire Himalayan region by promoting advanced research on high-altitude medicine and public health. It aims to improve healthcare infrastructure for local residents, defence personnel in high-altitude areas, and tourists.
Residents urged to support project
Thakur expressed hope for a new date once weather improves and appealed to residents to continue supporting the project, calling it a milestone for healthcare and district development.
