Festivals preserve rich heritage of Himachal: Dharmani

Festivals preserve the rich cultural heritage of the region and help in the promotion of the economy and tourism, said Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani while addressing a gathering on the inauguration of the Ajmerpur Summer Festival at Bharari in the Ghumarwin Assembly constituency of Bilaspur district yesterday.

Dharmani said that such fairs not only provided an important platform for local traders and cattle breeders, but also symbolised regional culture, tradition and social unity. He added that the state government was committed to preserving and promoting traditional fairs and festivals.

He said that many sports and cultural activities would be organised during the festival that would be the centre of attraction for people in the coming days. He added, “Bharari is witnessing continuous development. A subdivision of the Jal Shakti Department has been opened here and Bharari is connected by roads from all sides.”

Dharmani said that roads had been upgraded with the help of the foamed dense road technology in the Ghumarwin constituency. He added that an investment of Rs 1,200 crore would be required under the SHIVA Project to strengthen the economy of farmers in the area.

He said that demonstration farms had been built in Lanjta and Talwara villages and these would provide employment to the youth. He added that 40 tonnes of fruit were produced in these demonstration farms last year.

The minister said that efforts were made in the current state Budget to improve the rural economy. He added that the daily wage of MGNREGA workers was raised to Rs 320 per day while the support prices of cow milk and buffalo milk were also increased to improve the economy of farmers and cattle-rearers. He stressed the need for farmers to adopt organic farming.

Dharmani said that solar lights would be installed from Bharari village to Bada Da Ghat and a tehsil office building would be constructed near the local police station. He also announced that funds would be provided for civic amenities in Bharari. He inaugurated the Pashu Mela organised for the first time during the fair and awarded cash prizes to cattle-rearers.