LAHAUL-SPITI, 24 June — The Central Government has approved development projects worth nearly ₹108 crore for Lahaul-Spiti, drawing praise from local leaders who described it as a major leap forward for the remote tribal district.
Welcoming the decision, local MLA Anuradha Rana called the approvals a “moment of pride” and said the long-pending ₹23-crore sewerage scheme for Keylong and a High-Altitude Sports Training Centre in Kaza had finally received the green light. “It is a matter of great pride that these important projects have been approved. I thank both the Central and state governments, and Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, for their commitment to the region,” she said.
Rana also extended special gratitude to Ram Singh, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Minority Affairs, for facilitating the clearance of the projects under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK).
As per the official itinerary, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju is scheduled to arrive in Kaza on June 27 for a two-day visit. On June 28, he will inaugurate three major sports facilities:
- A High-Altitude Sports Training Centre
- An Ice Hockey Rink with Pavilion
- A Sports Training Complex with a Cricket Ground
On June 29, Rijiju will travel to Keylong to lay the foundation stone for the long-delayed sewerage system, a vital civic upgrade that had been stalled for over 20 years.
Praising the sports infrastructure push, MLA Rana noted Spiti’s growing presence in national sports. “Ninety per cent of the Himachal team that secured bronze at the National Ice Hockey Championship in Dehradun were from Spiti. These new facilities will help our youth reach both national and international platforms,” she said.
Former MLA Ravi Thakur also lauded the Centre for approving long-overdue funds and prioritising the region’s development needs.
Executive ADC and SDM Kaza, Shikha, said the stadium project in Kaza would have a long-term impact. “This stadium will be a boon, not just for our youth, but for the future of sports in Spiti,” she said.
The ₹108-crore investment is expected to significantly uplift infrastructure, public health, and sports development in one of Himachal Pradesh’s most remote yet promising districts, enhancing quality of life and opportunity for local communities.
