Rijiju lays stone of Rs 26.7-crore sewerage project, announces Buddhist monastery restoration plan

Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju laid the foundation stone for a Rs 26.75-crore modern sewerage project at Keylong in Lahaul and Spiti on Sunday. The project, jointly funded under the Prime Minister’s Public Welfare Programme by the Central and state governments at a ratio of 90:10, will benefit around 9,600 residents of Keylong and the adjoining Billing village.

Rijiju congratulated the people on the project launch, emphasising that the new sewerage system would bring significant improvements in sanitation and public health in the high-altitude tribal region. He described the initiative as a vital step in strengthening the basic infrastructure in remote and ecologically sensitive districts like Lahaul-Spiti.

Rijiju said Lahaul-Spiti received the highest allocation from the Ministry of Minority Affairs among all districts in the country, with a total sanctioned amount of Rs 200 crore. Of this, foundation stones for projects worth Rs 167 crore was laid during his current four-day tour, which included stops from Shimla and Kalpa to Keylong.

He highlighted that this extensive tour allowed him to interact with local communities and gain first-hand insight into their needs and aspirations. Several Buddhist monks and Gompa (monastery) representatives met him to discuss the urgent need for renovation and preservation of ancient Buddhist heritage sites.

Responding to their concerns, Rijiju announced the launch of a special Buddhist Development Plan, which will provide financial and technical support for the restoration and conservation of ancient monasteries and Gompas across the region. “Any application submitted by monastery authorities for restoration support will be approved and funded by the ministry,” he said.

The Union Minister also spoke about the Vibrant Villages Programme being implemented by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Under this programme, villages located in extreme border areas will be equipped with essential infrastructure such as roads, electricity, schools and clean drinking water. He lauded the role of the Atal Tunnel in reducing isolation and easing access to the region, thus facilitating better development outcomes.