Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Sunday announced that the state government would pursue Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for the remote Bara Bhangal region and declare it a Natural Farming Panchayat, unveiling a series of measures to improve livelihoods.
Branding and Market Access for Local Produce
The Chief Minister also announced a branding initiative for Bara Bhangal's famed naturally grown rajmah (kidney beans) to give the produce a distinct identity and fetch better prices. He urged farmers to utilise the state's Minimum Support Price (MSP) scheme for naturally grown crops and diversify into walnut and chestnut cultivation. He assured better market access for locally produced meat, emphasising sustainable agriculture and allied activities to strengthen the local economy.
Infrastructure and Connectivity Upgrades
On Saturday, Sukhu inspected flood-affected areas near the helipad and reviewed relief measures with district officials. He directed officials to expedite the road to Bara Bhangal by inviting separate tenders for each kilometre of the project, announcing Rs 10 crore for the road and suggesting airlifting heavy machinery to speed up construction.
To address the long-pending electricity issue, the Chief Minister instructed the power department to install diesel generator sets in the village and conduct a survey for electricity connections and household wiring. He announced one diesel genset each for Upper and Lower Bara Bhangal until road connectivity is restored, and discussed reviving the flood-damaged hydropower project and exploring solar energy options.
Education, Health, and Tourism Initiatives
Responding to residents' demands, Sukhu assured taking up mobile connectivity with private telecom operators, directed officials to identify suitable forest land for eco-tourism, and reiterated the government's commitment to developing Bara Bhangal as a tourism destination. For students, he announced a special incentive scheme, proposed hostel facilities, and assured helicopter taxi services at the beginning and end of each academic session, along with facilitating admission to CBSE-affiliated schools. In health, he proposed training local residents in primary healthcare for immediate medical assistance in the isolated region.
Financial Assistance and Public Address
Addressing a public gathering, the Chief Minister said he had come to Bara Bhangal not for politics but to share the pain and hardships of its people. He announced financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh each for two Mahila Mandals and Rs 1 lakh for a Yuvak Mandal.
