Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu visited Haripur in Kangra district to solve a problem that has lasted for over 50 years. Many families were displaced from their homes when the Pong Dam was built, and they have waited decades for justice. During a public event, the Chief Minister gave land allotment certificates to 89 of these families. These certificates will allow them to finally build their homes. The moment was emotional and full of relief for those who had lost everything many years ago. The government has promised that the remaining affected families will also receive land very soon.
The Pong Dam was built many decades ago, and it forced many families to leave their homes and land behind. Since then, these families have lived in difficult conditions. They had been promised land and support, but the promises were delayed again and again. Some of them even lost hope. The visit of CM Sukhu brought back some light into their lives. He said that the government will not rest until every single oustee is given land and support. The Chief Minister’s announcement was welcomed with loud claps and tears of joy from the crowd.
Along with the land certificates, CM Sukhu also promised to give each of the 89 families a financial aid of ₹3 lakh. This money will help them build their homes on the newly allotted land. This financial assistance is very important because most of these families are poor and have struggled for years. They have not been able to afford proper houses. With the money, they will now be able to construct safe and permanent homes. CM Sukhu also assured that future aid will be considered depending on their needs. This step has been called historic by many people.
The Chief Minister also talked about development plans for the Dehra region. He said that these plans are not just for the present, but also for the future. One of the most important projects is the construction of the Nandpur bridge. This bridge will improve road connectivity in the area and help people travel more easily. The Chief Minister said that the bridge will be completed by December 2025. This news was welcomed by the people because good roads are very important for trade, healthcare, and education. The new bridge will also help farmers transport their produce to nearby markets.
Healthcare was another major focus of CM Sukhu’s visit. He announced that the Haripur Community Health Centre will be upgraded and turned into an “Adarsh Swasthya Sansthan.” This means it will become a model health facility for the entire state. The government will spend ₹2 crore to improve the center and provide residential quarters for doctors and staff. This will help attract good doctors to work in the area. People have often complained about the lack of medical facilities in small towns. With better infrastructure, the health center will be able to treat more patients and offer better services.
CM Sukhu also mentioned that the wildlife wing of the forest department will be moved from Shimla to Dharamshala. This change will help reduce the heavy burden on Shimla, which is already crowded and overburdened. Dharamshala is in Kangra district and will now become a more important administrative center. This move will also bring more government attention and funds to the area. Many people in Kangra felt that their region was being ignored. The decision to move the forest department wing has made them feel more included. It is expected that new jobs and development will also follow this decision.
Tourism was another key point in the Chief Minister’s speech. He said that an international-level zoological park is being built in Bankhandi, which is also in the Kangra district. This zoo is expected to cost ₹619 crore. Once completed, it will attract tourists from all over the country and even from other nations. The project is expected to give a big boost to the local economy. People living nearby will benefit from jobs in tourism, transportation, food services, and more. The Chief Minister said that eco-tourism will also be promoted to protect nature while supporting economic growth in rural areas.
The Pong Dam issue has been a long and painful chapter in the lives of many people. When the dam was built, it brought electricity and water to many regions, but the people who sacrificed their homes for this development were forgotten. For many years, they protested and demanded justice. Some had to live in rented houses or with relatives. The land certificates now bring hope and finally fulfill the promise made decades ago. CM Sukhu’s decision to resolve this issue is being praised by many political experts. They say this will help build trust between the people and the government.
The affected families thanked the Chief Minister and the government for finally taking their problems seriously. During the event in Haripur, many elderly people shared their stories with tears in their eyes. They remembered how their parents were forced to leave their homes and how their own children grew up in poverty. The land certificates felt like a new beginning. The crowd was emotional, and some even bowed down in gratitude. CM Sukhu listened carefully and assured them that the government would stay committed. He said that Himachal Pradesh will become a model state for social justice and welfare.
In addition to giving land and money, the Chief Minister also laid the foundation for other infrastructure projects. These include road repairs, water supply systems, and rural development plans. He said that development must reach every village and every home. He reminded the public that true development means better lives for common people. CM Sukhu also urged government officials to work faster and more honestly. He said that delays in giving justice are as bad as denying justice. This message was well received by the public, who hope for a better future after so many years of struggle.
The government’s decision to help the Pong Dam oustees has been seen as a turning point in Himachal Pradesh politics. Opposition leaders also praised the move and said that political fights should not stop good work. Some social workers and activists who had been helping the oustees for years were present at the event. They thanked the Chief Minister for listening to their voices. They said that this day should be remembered in the history of the state. With the certificates and the money, the families can now look forward to better lives, free from the pain and uncertainty of the past.
The issue of displaced people is not limited to Himachal Pradesh. In many parts of India, people have been forced to leave their homes due to dams, highways, or industrial projects. Often, they are promised land and money, but those promises are not kept. The Pong Dam case shows that these problems can be solved if the government shows strong will and takes honest action. CM Sukhu’s efforts show that justice may be delayed, but it should not be denied forever. His leadership in this matter has set an example that other states can follow.
The announcement of ₹3 lakh per family for building houses is not just financial help. It shows that the government respects the suffering of these families. The amount is a beginning. The government also said it would continue to look into the needs of these people. For example, some families may need extra help for old age, children’s education, or health issues. CM Sukhu said that a special cell would be created to look after all these concerns. This plan gives hope that the families will not be forgotten again in the future.
The decision to complete the Nandpur bridge by December 2025 shows that the government is serious about rural development. Many villages in the area are hard to reach, especially during the rainy season. The new bridge will reduce travel time and help in emergencies. It will also make it easier for school children and patients to reach towns. Farmers will be able to take their goods to markets quickly. This one bridge will change the lives of many people in small ways every day. That is why infrastructure is not just about cement and steel—it is about human lives.
The upgraded health center in Haripur will be very important for the people. Today, many patients have to travel long distances for even small treatments. Pregnant women, elderly people, and children face a lot of problems due to the lack of doctors and nurses. With the new model health center, these problems can be solved. Better buildings, better equipment, and better staff will save many lives. The ₹2 crore budget for this upgrade shows that the government understands how important healthcare is. When health improves, the whole society becomes stronger. That is why this health project is seen as a big achievement.
Shifting the forest department’s wildlife wing from Shimla to Dharamshala will help the local administration. Dharamshala is closer to the forests of Himachal Pradesh and can manage wildlife issues better. This change will also bring jobs and boost local businesses. People in the area are happy because it means more government attention and investment. It will also help balance development between different parts of the state. Shimla has long been the focus of government activity, but now places like Dharamshala will also grow. This decision shows that the government wants all regions to develop equally and fairly.
The upcoming international-level zoo in Bankhandi will also help the region grow. It will bring tourists, jobs, and fame to Kangra district. The ₹619 crore project will be one of the biggest investments in tourism in the state. Local people are already preparing to open shops, guest houses, and taxi services. The zoo will also help teach children about animals and nature. Eco-tourism will be promoted so that tourism does not harm the environment. The Chief Minister said that development must be smart and sustainable. This zoo is not just a tourist place; it is a symbol of progress and balance.
In conclusion, CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s visit to Kangra has brought many changes and promises. The land allotment to Pong Dam oustees, financial support, infrastructure projects, health upgrades, tourism development, and administrative changes together show a new face of governance. These actions show that the government is trying to build a future where no one is left behind. The families who waited fifty years now have a new start. These are not just policies; these are steps towards justice and dignity. The public hopes that these promises will be fully kept and that development will continue to reach every corner of the state.