SHIMLA -5^th August, 2024-Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today virtually presided over the closing ceremony of the International Minjar Fair from Shimla. During the event, he inaugurated and laid the foundation stones of various developmental projects totalling Rs 120.44 crore. Speaker, Vidhan Sabha Kuldeep Singh Pathania also accompanied the Chief Minister on this occasion.

The Chief Minister said that due to inclement weather conditions he could not make it to the closing ceremony of Minjar fair and eulogized the efforts of the people and the district administration for conducting the fair successfully.

After virtually performing the foundation stone of the Pilot Project of the Green Hydrogen Mobility Station at Chamba to cost around Rs 14 crore the Chief Minster said that Chamba was set to become the first district in Himachal Pradesh to establish such a project making a beginning in Green Hydrogen initiative. This significant green initiative, led by the current state government, will be constructed by the National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC) to be completed by August 2025.

The Chief Minister said “The project would be located near NHPC's Chamera-3 power station and would include a 300-kilowatt grid-connected solar power plant to meet its energy needs. The plant will produce 20 kg of green hydrogen per day, which will be stored at pressures of 450 bar or higher to fuel a green hydrogen bus. Additionally, a hydrogen dispenser unit will be set up to facilitate bus refuelling.

He said that this groundbreaking project would introduce green hydrogen buses to the region for the first time, aiming to significantly raise awareness about green hydrogen in one of India’s remote areas. The Chief Minister mentioned that NHPC has already started the tender process to procure a green hydrogen bus for Chamba, ensuring its availability once the pilot project becomes operational.

"The launch of this project in Chamba district is expected to generate revenue and create employment opportunities, contributing to the region's economic development. The current state government aims to transform Himachal Pradesh into a 'Green Energy State' by 31st March 2026, focusing on harnessing green energy to meet demands. The state government is also promoting green industry in alignment with this vision," said the Chief Minister.

Besides this notable green hydrogen project, Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu virtually inaugurated and laid foundation stones for various other development projects.

Foundation Stones

He laid the foundation for the Mini Secretariat Building in Chamba, which will be constructed at a cost of Rs. 35.38 crore, and an indoor stadium at Police Ground Chamba for Rs. 11.12 crore. He also initiated the construction work of a Parking-cum-Commercial Complex in Chamba for rupees five crore and said that the construction of Chamba parking would be completed within 18 months.

He also laid the foundation stone of Multipurpose Hall and library at the District Institute of Educational Training (DIET) at Saru to cost Rs. 4.64 crore.

Inaugurations

The Chief Minister also inaugurated the newly constructed Trauma Care Centre at Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College & Hospital (JLNMC&H) Chamba, to cost Rs. 10.38 crore, and the Electricity Sub Station at the same hospital, to cost Rs. 20.58 crore. Apart from this, he inaugurated the PG Block at Government Degree College Chamba, constructed for Rs. 11.57 crore, the Primary Health Centre (PHC) Bhageigarh in Tissa for Rs. 1.68 crore, and the new bus stand in Bhanjraru (Tissa) at a cost of Rs. 6.11 crore.

He said that the foundation stone for the Chamba heliport would be laid soon, and subsidies would be provided for flights to the region. Additionally rupees four crore has been allocated for consultancy services for the construction of the Chamba-Chowari-Jot tunnel.

Sh. Sukhu assured to address all the developmental needs of the Chamba district in a phased manner. He mentioned that Rs 165 crore has been allocated for Chamba Medical College, and the construction of its building would be completed soon besides filling all the posts of doctors and para-medic staff.

Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania highlighted the significant developmental achievements under the current state government. He noted that continuous efforts are being made to enhance employment, social security, and resources. Adequate budgets have been allocated for the Chief Minister's announcements regarding the development of Chamba. The state government is committed to the all-round development of Chamba district and the entire state, with tangible results already visible.

MLA Neeraj Nayyar expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for addressing the developmental needs of the Chamba district and dedicating development projects worth crores.

Deputy Commissioner Chamba Mukesh Repaswal, Superintendent of Police Abhishek Yadav, and other senior officers and officials were connected from Chamba online.