Kangana chairs key meetings for reviewing, accelerating development

Kangana Ranaut, member of Parliament from Mandi, presided over a series of district meetings at Mandi today. The meetings were aimed at reviewing and accelerating development initiatives and government schemes. The sessions, held under the aegis of various committees—including the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA), the Parliamentary Road Safety Committee, and the District Electricity Committee — focused on enhancing transparency, inter-departmental coordination and effective public service delivery.

The DISHA committee meeting was convened at the Deputy Commissioner’s conference hall, where the MP assessed the progress of several central government schemes. Attendees included MLAs Anil Sharma, Rakesh Jamwal, Inder Singh Gandhi and Dileep Thakur, Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan, senior officials and departmental representatives.

The MP urged officials to adhere strictly to project timelines and ensure the implementation of decisions from previous meetings. She reiterated that DISHA’s primary goal is to improve both the speed and quality of development efforts, maximising benefits for residents.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) presented updates on ongoing highway projects in the district. Kangana emphasised the importance of maintaining high standards in quality, safety and transparency. She called for expedited work on the DPR for the Parour–Padhar stretch of the Mandi–Pathankot four-lane, the Nerchowk–Pandoh tunnel and land acquisition for the Pandoh bypass. She also stressed the need to strengthen the Pandoh–Takoli section.

Expressing concern over silt and debris accumulation in the Beas and its tributaries during monsoon season, Kangana called for a comprehensive restoration plan to return the rivers to their natural state.

She directed the Health Department to produce a short film highlighting the impact of drug abuse on families. The Municipal Corporation was tasked with creating an advertisement promoting cleanliness and civic responsibility among tourists. The Education Department was instructed to develop a strategy for qualitative improvements in education. She encouraged departments to promptly report any challenges in executing development projects and warned against delays in implementing initiatives under the MPLAD scheme.

Chairing the Parliamentary Road Safety Committee meeting, Kangana emphasised the need for public engagement to reduce road accidents. She recommended using social media and street plays for awareness campaigns and directed departments to identify accident-prone zones and upgrade safety infrastructure. She also called for stricter enforcement of traffic laws to protect lives.

In the District Electricity Committee meeting, Kangana advocated for increased awareness of the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Yojana, which has already benefited 554 residents in the district. She stressed the importance of efficiently implementing centrally sponsored schemes to ensure their reach to all eligible citizens.

Throughout the day’s proceedings, Kangana emphasised accountability, coordination and public welfare as the foundational principles for all departments. She reaffirmed her commitment to driving Mandi’s development forward with integrity and transparency.