Shimla, July 19, 2025 — In a remarkable confluence of spiritual devotion and public welfare, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu took the centre stage today at the iconic Jakhu Temple, participating in the installation ceremony of an awe-inspiring 108-foot Hanuman Dhwaja (flag). The serene hilltop, known for its legendary status and spiritual resonance, was further adorned with this vertical tribute to Lord Hanuman, symbolising resilience and divine protection. Chief Minister Sukhu, joined by a gathering of devotees and dignitaries, led prayers seeking peace, prosperity, and spiritual upliftment for the entire State.
Jakhu Temple, known as one of the highest temples in India and home to an exquisite statue of Lord Hanuman, holds deep significance within the cultural ethos of Himachal Pradesh. Chief Minister Sukhu emphasised that the installation of the Dhwaja not only enriches the temple’s spiritual landscape but also enhances its attractiveness as a pilgrimage and tourist destination. He also revealed plans to install a statue of Lord Ram within the temple premises, though he acknowledged that pending approvals under the Forest Conservation Act are being diligently pursued to clear procedural hurdles.
Recognising the burgeoning footfall at Jakhu, Chief Minister Sukhu underscored the government’s sustained commitment to upgrading infrastructure around the temple. He announced measures to strengthen parking facilities, develop comfortable seating zones, and introduce visitor amenities—all within a framework that respects ecological balance and preserves the pristine natural environment surrounding the temple.
Against the backdrop of these spiritual celebrations, the Chief Minister reiterated the State’s relentless efforts toward rehabilitating people affected by the recent intense monsoon rains. He revealed that severe weather had inflicted widespread damage in many areas including Seraj, Dharampur, Karsog, and Nachan—valleys once flourishing with agriculture and horticulture, now bruised by nature’s fury. Acknowledging the substantial losses, Sukhu informed that during his recent visit to New Delhi, Union Ministers were apprised of the crisis-stricken landscape. He expressed hope that during the upcoming visit of the Union Home Minister to the state, much-needed relief would be fast-tracked.
Chief Minister Sukhu emphasised that rehabilitation is not just a moral duty, but a core governmental priority. He noted that while non-forest land will be directly allocated to affected families, any grants involving forest land require Central government approval. Restoring connectivity is a top priority: reopening roads to enable farmers and horticulturists to transport their apples, vegetables, and produce to markets remains central to relief operations.
Commitments were also made to compensate affected households for damages to residences, cattle sheds, livestock, and other property. Rest houses have been repurposed as relief camps to comfortably accommodate displaced families, with those choosing rented accommodation eligible to receive ₹5,000 per month as rental support.
Continuing the theme of public welfare, Chief Minister Sukhu later inaugurated the newly constructed Public Works Department rest house in Chhota Shimla. Built at a cost of ₹4.15 crore, the facility boasts nine spacious suites equipped to serve government officials and citizens alike. Sukhu emphasised the State Government’s ongoing efforts to streamline rest house bookings—now available online at uniform, transparent rates. This initiative aligns with broader reforms aimed at enhancing accessibility to government facilities. The introduction of standardized accommodation rates at Himachal Bhawan in Delhi and similar facilities underpins the government’s drive for transparency, ease of access, and fair pricing.
The Chief Minister warmly welcomed tourists to Himachal Pradesh, highlighting that despite weather-related disruptions in certain areas, much of the State continues to remain open and welcoming. “Approximately 7 million people reside here, with a significant part of our State unaffected and safe to explore,” he stated, countering negative perceptions spread on social media.
Key dignitaries at today’s events included Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh, MLA Kamlesh Thakur, Chief Minister’s Media Advisor Naresh Chauhan, HP State Cooperative Bank Chairman Devender Shyam, HP State Industrial Development Corporation Vice Chairman Vishal Chambiyal, Shimla Mayor Surender Chauhan, Deputy Mayor Uma Kaushal, Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap, as well as PWD and tourism officials.
Through these twin events—the Hanuman Dhwaja installation and the PWD rest house inauguration—Chief Minister Sukhu demonstrated the government’s balanced vision: honoring spiritual heritage while simultaneously reinforcing civic amenities and disaster-response efforts. With eye-catching infrastructure developments and responsive governance, Himachal Pradesh is charting a progressive path that blends culture, sustainability, and citizen-centric administration.
This is a web generated news report.
