Pangi locals oppose Zila Parishad ward delimitation, demand two constituencies

Residents of the remote Pangi valley in Chamba district have raised objections to the recently notified delimitation proposal for Zila Parishad wards by the district administration.

The Pangwal Ekta Manch, a local community body, has submitted a memorandum to Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Repaswal, challenging the existing ward configuration and demanding the creation of two separate Zila Parishad constituencies for the valley.

The Chamba district administration issued the proposed ward delimitation on Tuesday. While the overall number of ZP wards remains unchanged, some panchayats have been reallocated to different wards. However, Pangi valley’s structure remains the same, continuing with a single Zila Parishad ward — Karyas — which includes 19 geographically scattered panchayats and a population of over 25,000.

Thakur, Chairman of Pangwal Ekta Manch, criticised the proposal, saying the administration failed to consider the geographical, administrative and logistical challenges unique to Pangi. He argued that naming the proposed ward “Karyas Zila Parishad Ward” is inappropriate, as Killar serves as the administrative and functional headquarters of the tribal subdivision. He insisted the ward be renamed after Killar instead.

The Manch also objected to the inclusion of numerous remote panchayats — including Luj, Dharwas, Sural, Hudan, Killar, Killar-1, Karyas, Karel, Kiryuni, Phindru, Kumar, Sach, Sahali, Shoon, Sechu, Rei, Mindhal, Purthi and Shour — under one ward.

“This grouping is based on polling station arrangements used for Assembly and Parliamentary elections, not on suitability for effective local governance,” Thakur said.

He pointed to Section 89(2) of the Himachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj Act, 1994/2025, which permits the creation of smaller territorial constituencies in backward areas with populations below 25,000, especially where there is significant geographical isolation and limited transport and communication infrastructure.

“The administration should have considered these provisions during the delimitation process in Pangi, which is known for its rugged terrain and logistical hardships,” Thakur stated.

He further highlighted the difficulty of conducting Zila Parishad elections across the valley’s 1,595 sq. km expanse — characterised by mountainous terrain, unpredictable weather and poor connectivity. Reaching every household during a 5-7 day election campaign is nearly impossible, he said.

“To ensure fair representation and administrative efficiency, we demand the creation of two Zila Parishad constituencies — Killar, comprising nine panchayats in the eastern valley and Sach, with 10 panchayats in the western region,” Thakur urged.

He concluded by expressing hope that the DC would review the proposal objectively and make a decision that reflects the valley’s unique socio-geographical realities.