NABARD Approves 127 Development Projects Worth ₹903 Crore in Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh, the state government has secured approval from the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) for a series of important projects, worth a total of ₹903.21 crore, aimed at advancing the state’s infrastructure, economy, and rural development. The announcement was made by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu during a budget priorities meeting with local legislators from across various districts, including Kangra, Kullu, Kinnaur, Solan, Chamba, Bilaspur, and Lahaul-Spiti.
The approved projects will span across multiple sectors and include key initiatives aimed at both urban and rural development. Notably, among the approved schemes, 50 are related to the Public Works Department (PWD) and are valued at ₹412.75 crore, while 23 schemes under the Jal Shakti Vibhag (Water Resources Department) are valued at ₹179.07 crore. These schemes are a critical part of the state’s larger plan to modernise infrastructure, boost employment, and improve overall living standards across Himachal.
Among the key projects that have received approval is the establishment of a dairy processing plant in Kangra’s Dagwar, with a 1.5 lakh litres per day (LLPD) capacity. This project is expected to boost the local dairy industry and improve the income of dairy farmers in the region. In addition, 96 electric bus charging stations will be developed to support the state’s growing commitment to clean and sustainable public transport, aligning with the government’s push for greener, more eco-friendly solutions. CM Sukhu highlighted the state’s focus on equitable development for all constituencies, noting that NABARD funding was being allocated without bias. “Our aim is to ensure that every region, from Kangra to Kullu, gets the attention it deserves in terms of development,” said Sukhu. He further added that over the past two years, NABARD has sanctioned ₹1,691 crore for 251 projects across the state.
While the announcement was met with optimism by most, the opposition BJP chose to boycott the budget priorities meeting, accusing the state government of failing to prioritise the projects proposed by BJP MLAs. Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur claimed that the government had not progressed these initiatives beyond the detailed project report (DPR) stage despite multiple requests. “The chief minister is misleading the public,” Thakur stated, alleging that funds allocated by the central government for infrastructure projects were being diverted to pay salaries and pensions, breaching financial norms. Despite the boycott, the meeting was attended by several Congress MLAs who raised priorities for their constituencies, reflecting the government’s determination to continue the process of consultation and ensure that key projects are carried forward. Apart from infrastructure, the Himachal government is also focused on enhancing the rural economy. Sukhu revealed that ₹1,087.77 crore has been allocated under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) for 2024-25, marking a 5.28% increase from last year. This funding is intended to launch a series of projects aimed at strengthening rural livelihoods and generating employment for local youth.
Tourism also remains a priority area for the government. With a particular emphasis on religious and tea tourism, the state is exploring the possibility of adopting West Bengal’s successful tea tourism model. This move could provide an economic boost to areas traditionally dependent on agriculture by attracting both domestic and international visitors. On top of infrastructure and economic growth, CM Sukhu reiterated the government’s commitment to tackling the state’s drug abuse problem, promising stricter enforcement measures. This initiative is part of the broader efforts to improve the social wellbeing of Himachal’s citizens and ensure the state remains a healthy, sustainable place for future generations. As Himachal Pradesh moves forward with these projects, the hope is that they will significantly enhance the state’s infrastructure, create new opportunities for local farmers and youth, and position the region as a leading destination for tourism and investment.
