HP launches infra upgrade along border with China

Himachal Pradesh government has started the construction of vital infrastructure along the 240-km long border with China largely in 210 villages in Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti districts under the Centre-sponsored Village Vibrant Program. The state shares a border with China covering the 80-km stretch at Chumar in Lahaul-Spiti and 160-km from Daroti to Mumti Dogri in Kinnaur districts. The state, with the help of Centre, is creating facilities and opportunities in the areas as there are 231 revenue villages and 90 inhabited ones in Lahaul-Spiti district.

Of the 81 villages under the Border Area Development Program, 70 are located 0-10km from the border where the density of population of the block is 2 sq km per person. The program includes organizing special meetings in all villages concerned and proposals from them have been consolidated and submitted to the government. Under the program, modern roads, footbridges and helipads will be built in strategic areas. Drinking water arrangements will also be added along with irrigation facilities for farmers, who would be trained in horticulture development, forestry, and organic farming. Infra upgrade program will increase opportunities to enhance the livelihood of villagers.

The state has sent proposals to the Centre for the construction of a road between Brua in Kinnaur to Harshil in Uttarakhand via the 17,000-ft LamKhaga Pass to connect the border areas of the two states. The border with China has remained largely peaceful barring sporadic incidence of air space incursions and Chinese soldiers entering Himachal borders. In its entirety the government is focusing on building road networks, electricity and telecommunication systems in the tribal regions.