Administrative authorities would ensure cleanliness of places within their jurisdiction free from plastic littering and take punitive action against the errant. These directions were passed by Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal while addressing the inaugural function of the Kangra Central Cooperative Bank in Hamirpur town today. He underlined the need for creation of mass awareness amongst the common man about the environmental hazards due to plastic waste. He said that people’s participation in all such programmes would ensure success of the same and contribute significantly in making Himachal Pradesh Carbon Neutral State in the country. He said that special efforts were required to be made at the entry points of the State where visitors coming from adjoining states needed to be educated about the ban on use of plastic in the State.

Dhumal said that Hamirpur was coming up as an education hub in the State housing HP Technical University, NIT, Hotel Management Institute, and other institutions in private sector. He said that efforts had been made to provide all administrative facilities to the people and speed up pace of development in the district by setting up of zonal offices in the town. He said that an impressive modern marketing complex was coming up at the bus stand which would not only facilitate the local petty traders but the public as well with better and convenient shopping facilities. He said that existing shop keepers on the spot would be accommodated in the new complex. He said that the synthetic track under construction was likely to be completed on priority and over Rs. One crore had been provided to complete the same.

Chief Minister said that the State Government had sanctioned over Rs. 10 crore for completion of sewerage scheme for Hamirpur town which would make the town neat and clean. He said that a strong network of all basic amenities had been created for the convenience of the residents. He said that consistent efforts were being made to increase level of satisfaction amongst the people of the State by providing them best of the services and amenities at their door steps. He appealed to the people to create awareness about the female foeticide for balancing the sex ratio in the State. Prof. Dhumal said that sincere efforts were being made to uniformally develop the entire State in a balanced manner.

Baldev Sharma, MLA Nadaunta, said that uniform and balanced development of the State was being ensured under the leadership of Prof. Dhumal and entire State was emotionally integrated. He said that with the opening of zonal offices of different departments, people were availing all administrative services at the district headquarter level.

Urmil Thakur, MLA Hamirpur, welcomed the CM to her home segment and thanked him for providing adequate funds for completion of sewerage line, which was stalled by the previous Government. She said that bus stand market complex and by-pass work was in progress and would benefit the people immensely. She detailed other developmental achievements which had taken place in her home segment during last four years. She said that more parking slots were being developed in the town. Deep Kumar, President, Municipal Council, Hamirpur also welcomed CM to his Council area and thanked him for creation of various urban facilities to the residents of the district headquarter.

Rasil Singh Mankotia, Chairman, Kangra Central Cooperative Bank, thanked CM for inaugurating the third branch of the Bank in Hamirpur town. He said that Pucca Bharoh branch would also be made functional on priority which would be fourth branch in the town. He said that the bank was spreading its network to provide customers online banking facilities. He said that 31 ATMs would be installed by the bank to provide account holder all time service. He said that efforts were underway to open bank branch at every district headquarters to be exclusively managed by women.

Adarsh Kant, President, Hamirpur BJP Mandal, also welcomed the CM to his home segment. M.C.Parmar, Chairman, HP State Ex-Servicemen Welfare Board, Pyare Lal Sharma, Chairman, APMC and State President, BJP Kisan Morcha, Des Raj Sharma, President, District Hamirpur BJP, Sarla Sharma, Chairperson, Zila Parishad, Rajender Singh, Deputy Commissioner, Kuldeep Sharma, Superintendent of Police, B.T.Negi, Chief Engineer, PWD, other senior officers and dignitaries of the area were present on the occasion.