Work begins on Himachal Chief Minister Sukhu's promises to Bara Bhangal residents: DC

The departments concerned have set in motion the implementation of key announcements made by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu during his recent visit to the remote tribal village of Bara Bhangal. The process to declare Bara Bhangal a ‘natural panchayat’ is already underway.

Kangra Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa said work had commenced on all major commitments made by the CM during his interaction with the residents of one of the most inaccessible villages in the state.

“The Agriculture Department has initiated the process of declaring the Bara Bhangal panchayat a ‘natural panchayat’. Regarding the villagers’ demand for Scheduled Tribe status, the Tribal Development Department and our field teams are preparing reports for submission to the government. Action has begun on all other issues raised before the Chief Minister and people will soon see progress,” Bairwa said.

Alongside the developmental initiatives, the district administration has dispatched the annual stock of essential commodities to Bara Bhangal, a logistical operation undertaken every year before adverse weather further restricts access to the area.

Bairwa said nearly 500 to 600 quintals of ration are being transported to the village through mule caravans from both the Chamba side and via the Thamsar Jot route.

“We send almost a year’s ration in one go. The supplies are currently on the way. Recently, locals informed us about the damage to a few stretches of the mule tracks. We have provided financial assistance for repairs so that the ration can be transported smoothly. At present, there is no major connectivity issue,” he said.

The Deputy Commissioner said the administration was closely monitoring the movement of supplies, with field teams maintaining regular communication through satellite phones to ensure immediate assistance in case heavy rainfall disrupted the route.

Referring to the villagers’ demand regarding an increase in the annual ration quota, Bairwa said, “The Chief Minister has responded positively to their request. A decision has to be taken at the government level. If additional ration is approved, we are fully prepared to dispatch it immediately,” he added.

Nestled deep in the Dhauladhar range at an altitude of over 2,500 metres, Bara Bhangal lacks road connectivity and remains accessible only through strenuous multi-day treks across high mountain passes, including Thamsar Jot, or via difficult trails from neighbouring Chamba district.

During winter and the monsoon, access becomes extremely challenging, making the annual transportation of essential supplies by mule caravans a vital lifeline for the tribal community.