Sukhu lays foundation stone of ‘Himachal Haat’ in Shimla

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to strengthening the rural economy and empowering women-led self-help groups (SHGs) through the promotion of their products under the HIMIRA brand. He was speaking after laying the foundation stone of the ‘Himachal Haat’ near the Lift in Shimla.

To be constructed at a cost of Rs 2 crore, the Himachal Haat will serve as a vibrant marketplace showcasing authentic Himachali art, craft, handloom, handicrafts and traditional cuisines. It will bring together SHGs from all 12 districts, providing them a platform to market their products, enhance their income and achieve self-reliance. The complex will include 24–25 shops and is expected to be completed within eight months, over an area of 4,000 square feet.

The Chief Minister said the sale of HIMIRA products has already generated an income of Rs 25 lakh for SHGs, with earnings expected to grow significantly. The government has also distributed food vans to SHGs, enabling them to earn around Rs 50,000 per month, and plans to provide 60 additional vans soon.

Highlighting urban infrastructure initiatives, Sukhu announced that a Rs 145 crore utility duct project is underway to shift power lines underground, along with efforts to ensure 24-hour water and power supply in Shimla. He also said work is in progress to double-lane the Circular Road to decongest city traffic.

Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh, MLAs Harish Janartha and Suresh Kumar and senior officials attended the event.

Army to set up wind turbine project at 20 border locations

The Army will set up a wind turbine project at 20 locations in the border area, which will help electrify local households. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today held a meeting with senior officers of the Indian Army’s Central Command and reviewed various projects being implemented by the Army in Himachal Pradesh.

It was informed during the meeting that the Army was considering setting up the wind turbine project at 20 locations in the border areas for which the detailed project report has been prepared. The project is expected to generate between 68,000 and 80,000 kWh of energy annually, sufficient to electrify 120 to 160 households.

The Chief Minister assured the Army of the state government’s full cooperation in the execution of its project. “The border tourism initiative, launched jointly by the state government and the Indian Army is showing encouraging results. Tourist inflow in the border regions has seen a remarkable rise — from around 21,000 visitors in 2024 to over 70,000 in 2025 — a three-and-a-half-fold increase,” the CM said.

Sukhu directed officials to ensure hassle-free facilities for tourists visiting the border areas to enhance their overall experience. He added that the state government has written to the Centre regarding the resumption of trade activities through Shipki La and that positive indications have been received.

The CM also reviewed the progress of the proposed airport at Rangrik and urged the Army officials to expedite work on the project, stating that it would provide a major boost to tourism and connectivity in the region.