Discussions underway to start Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Shipki La: Sukhu

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today said the state government has requested the Centre to resume trade with China through the Shipki La. The CM was speaking at the closing ceremony of the four-day International Lavi Fair at Rampur in Shimla district today.

“I initiated border tourism from Shipki La. As a result, more than 70,000 tourists have visited this Pass along the China border,” he said.

The CM also inaugurated and laid the foundation stones of development projects worth Rs 53.96 crore in Rampur Bushahr.

Sukhu said discussions were underway to start the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Shipki La. “It will be easy to develop the required infrastructure for the pilgrimage along the existing road from Rampur Bushahr-Pooh up to Shipki La,” he said.

“The Lavi fair is not only a symbol of our cultural heritage but also an example of the centuries-old trade and cultural ties between India and Tibet. This centuries-old fair continues to serve as a medium for trade, cultural exchange and the preservation of folk traditions,” he said.

The CM said the state government was bringing reforms in every sector. Himachal Pradesh has acquired fifth position in terms of quality education, compared to 21st during the previous BJP regime.

Speaking about reforms in the health sector, he said that modern equipment would be made available at the IGMC, Shimla, and Chamyana within six months. “The neighbouring states do not yet have robotic surgery facility in the government sector. Himachal Pradesh has already taken the lead by starting it at Chamyana and Tanda Medical College in Kangra,” he said.

Sukhu stated that every possible effort was being made to support disaster-affected families. “If the Central Government grants permission, we are ready to provide one bigha of land to every landless family. We have urged the Centre to allow rehabilitation of families who lost their land due to the disaster on forest land,” he said.

He said during this year’s monsoon, a sum of Rs 81 crore has been released to around 4,000 disaster-hit families to reconstruct their homes. The state government also extended all help to those affected by the disaster that hit Samej near Rampur in 2024.

Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh said there will be no shortage of funds in the development of Rampur Bushahr and with the Chief Minister’s support the region’s growth will be accelerated. Chairman, State Finance Commission and local MLA Nand Lal said that the Lavi Fair has a centuries-old history.