Development shouldn’t come at cost of destruction: Himachal minister Vikramaditya Singh

Public Works and Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh today inaugurated a three-day sports competition for Under-14 boys and girls from the Kasumpti block at Government Model Senior Secondary School in Ghanahati. As the chief guest, Singh emphasised that development shouldn’t come at the cost of destruction. He said that heavy rains in the state since August 24 has resulted in losses worth Rs 800 crore.

Singh stressed the importance of environment-friendly development, stating that the increasing incidents of cloudbursts in the state are alarming. He urged that debris should be disposed of properly at designated dumping sites. The minister also emphasised the need to maintain the dignity of holy places, saying that people should not spread garbage at these sites.

During the event, Singh announced a grant of Rs 5 lakh for laying interlocking tiles in the school premises and Rs 15 lakh for renovating the wrestling ground. About 400 students from 17 schools participated in the sports competition, which will conclude on September 3.