Rs 214 cr boost Sukhu’s Dehra visit to inaugurate key projects from June 3

Dehra — often called “the gateway to Kangra” — is bracing for an unprecedented infusion of projects and political energy as Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu arrives on June 3 and 4. Over two days, the CM will inaugurate or lay foundations for works worth more than Rs 214 crore, signalling both development intent and the growing political weight of this once-neglected constituency.

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Dehra’s profile rose last July when Kamlesh Thakur, the CM’s wife, captured the seat in a by-election — an outcome that not only shored up the Congress government during a precarious moment but also rekindled hopes among residents weary of broken promises, especially in remote pockets such as Haripur.

Preparations on the ground reflect that renewed optimism. “This visit will re-energise the party and reconnect leadership with grassroots concerns,” said a Congress worker helping coordinate the events, while even opposition supporters concede they are “surprised — and hopeful — at the pace of activity.”

June 3: Water, health & roads

Sukhu’s first stop is Bankhandi, where he will inaugurate a Rs 16.24 crore water-lifting scheme serving the upcoming Durgeshwar Abhyaran Zoological Park. In Haripur, he will open a Rs 4.85 crore Primary Health Centre building, then turn to vital road projects: Haripur-Sakri (Rs 12.87 crore), Guler-Nandpur (Rs 10.28 crore), Thathar-Tripal via Mehwa (Rs 6.64 crore) and the Narad Khad bridge (Rs 1.75 crore). The day’s programme also includes distributing forest-rights certificates to Pong Dam oustees.

June 4: Administrative hubs and a historic tribute

The second day focuses on strengthening Dehra’s civic spine. He will lay stones for a Rs 28.27 crore Circuit House, a Rs 26.81 crore Critical Care Unit at the Civil Hospital and a Rs 4.72 crore Forest Rest House. He will also break ground for a Rs 98.72 crore Combined Office Building and formally open the power board’s new premises. Before leaving, the CM plans to unveil a statue of Prithviraj Chauhan on the Dehra bypass and inaugurate a Rs 6.8 crore academic block at Govt Degree College, Dhaliara.

Political stakes and development promise

For the Sukhu government, the visit cements Dehra — strategically perched between Kangra’s plains and hill areas — as central to its broader roadmap. For residents, it offers tangible signs that promises made during last year’s by-poll are moving from paper to reality. Whether that momentum endures after the ribbon-cuttings remains to be seen, but for now Dehra is set to step into the spotlight with a slate of projects few constituencies can match.