77th District-Level Van Mahotsav Held in Turkada, Chamba

Chamba, August 13, 2026: The 77th District-Level Van Mahotsav was organised at Turkada village in the Bhatiyat Assembly constituency by the Chamba Forest Circle. Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania attended the event as the chief guest and formally inaugurated the programme after performing traditional prayers. He also planted a Chamba tree sapling on the occasion.

Addressing the gathering, Pathania said conservation of water, forests and land is essential for maintaining ecological balance. He highlighted the role of the Forest Department and said the state government has been promoting community participation in forest management and expansion through the Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojana. The scheme provides self-employment opportunities to self-help groups, women’s groups, youth clubs and village forest management committees.

He appealed to residents to avoid forest fires, immediately report incidents of fire to the Forest Department and actively participate in plantation activities.

Development Projects in Bhatiyat

Pathania said approximately ₹109 crore is being spent on roads under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana in the Bhatiyat Assembly constituency. Around 50 villages have already been connected by roads during the present government’s tenure, while more than 50 additional villages are expected to receive road connectivity over the next one-and-a-half years.

He said ₹4 crore has been spent on the DPR of the Chamba-Chuwari Tunnel, and the land acquisition process is now being initiated. The approximately 13-km tunnel, estimated to cost around ₹2,600 crore, is proposed to be constructed on a BOT basis.

Efforts are also underway to bring the Draman-Chuwari-Chamba via Jot road under the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

He further informed that forest clearance has been received for the proposed sports stadium at Chuwari, with ₹67 lakh deposited by the government. Tenders are expected to be invited soon, with construction targeted for completion by June 2027.

Healthcare Facilities to Be Strengthened

Pathania said eight doctors are currently serving at the Civil Hospital Chuwari, where round-the-clock healthcare services are available. A CT scan facility is also expected to become operational soon.

He said work is underway to replace the old hospital building with a new one. ₹20 crore is being spent on construction of the Primary Health Centre building at Samot, which is expected to be completed by December. The facility will also provide 24-hour healthcare services.

The Primary Health Centre at Singhuta will also soon be upgraded to a 25-bed Community Health Centre.

Pathania assured local representatives that their demands, including a playground for Government Primary School Turkada, a community building, a road and pathway at Chodna, and a rain shelter, would be considered.

Forest Conservator Chamba Rakesh Kumar highlighted the importance of public participation in preventing forest fires and protecting forests and wildlife. State Forest Corporation Director Krishan Chand Chela also addressed the gathering, while DFO Kuldeep Jwal thanked the chief guest, guests and participants for their contribution to the successful organisation of the event.