Dharamshala/Palampur(Arvind Sharma) May 12:
In a significant political development ahead of the May 17 Municipal Corporation elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday unveiled separate Vision Documents ( Sankalp Patras) for the Municipal Corporations of Dharamshala and Palampur in Kangra district — the only district in Himachal Pradesh with two Municipal Corporations.
The BJP outlined an ambitious roadmap focused on smart infrastructure, tourism promotion, urban modernization, civic reforms and making both cities drug-free.
BJP’s Vision for Dharamshala: Smart, Sustainable and Tourist-Friendly
Releasing the party’s manifesto for Dharamshala Municipal Corporation, senior BJP leader and Dharamshala MLA Sudhir Sharma said the vision document is not merely an election manifesto but a long-term blueprint for transforming Dharamshala into a modern, eco-friendly and globally recognized tourist city.
Prominent BJP leaders, including State Vice President Pawan Kajal, spokesperson Rakesh Sharma and District BJP President Sachin Sharma, were present during the launch.
Among the key promises announced for Dharamshala are:
Smart parking facilities at 22 locations
24×7 drinking water supply
Construction of small dams on major khads(rivulets) for water conservation
A funicular transport project from Charan Khad near Cricket Stadium to Bhagsunag to ease traffic congestion and promote tourism
Redevelopment of Kacheri Adda and Kotwali Bazaar
Construction of a modern bus stand linked directly to Kotwali Bazaar
Beautification of major chowks and development of a viewing deck at Kainchi Mod
The BJP also proposed e-taxi services, cycling and jogging tracks, multi-sports zones, a football academy, startup incubation centres and skill development hubs for youth.For women empowerment, the party announced an “MC Cooperative Grid” to encourage self-employment opportunities. A “Doctor on Call” mobile app for senior citizens and digitization of all Municipal Corporation services also featured prominently in the vision document. He further emphasized BJP’s commitment to making Dharamshala a “drug-free city” through strict enforcement, CCTV surveillance and public awareness campaigns.
Targeting the Congress government over alleged failures in Smart City implementation, Sudhir Sharma accused the current administration of misusing public funds and failing to ensure transparency in development works.
BJP’s Development Blueprint for Palampur
The BJP also released its Vision Document for the Palampur Municipal Corporation in the presence of Lok Sabha MP Rajeev Bhardwaj and former Assembly Speaker Vipin Parmar.
Vipin Parmar said the document aims to ensure holistic urban development while preserving Palampur’s identity as a town known for its tea gardens, temples, cultural heritage and military legacy.
Major announcements include:
Naming key city entry gates after martyrs
Construction of a grand Martyrs’ Memorial honouring war heroes including Saurabh Kalia, Somnath Sharma, Vikram Batra and Sudhir Walia
Development of tourism and religious circuits connecting Himani Chamunda, Chamundeshwari Temple, Kali Mata Temple and Sobha Singh Art Gallery
Traffic improvement through underpasses, overhead bridges and modern traffic systems
Better management of electric and communication wiring for improved urban aesthetics
The party also promised model gausadans for stray cattle, housing for landless families under the Pradhan Mantri Urban Housing Scheme, parks in every ward and relocation of the existing waste plant to protect the Neugal river.
Additional commitments include a Single Window System for civic services, simplified building approvals, 150 days of employment under the Urban Livelihood Mission and a strict campaign to make Palampur “drug-free” and “Chitta-free.”
Addressing party workers and supporters, MP Rajeev Bhardwaj accused the state government of allowing mining, liquor, drug and scrap mafias to flourish and questioned the Congress over unfulfilled guarantees, including ₹1500 monthly assistance for women, one lakh annual jobs for youth and 300 units of free electricity.
Expressing confidence ahead of the civic elections, BJP leaders asserted that the party would secure victory in both Municipal Corporations and strengthen its political position in Himachal Pradesh in the years ahead.
