Dharamsala | Updated: June 29, 2026, 12:28 PM IST
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Sunday announced that the state government would make efforts to secure Scheduled Tribe status for the remote Bara Bhangal region.
During his two-day visit to one of Himachal Pradesh’s most isolated villages, the chief minister also announced that Bara Bhangal would be declared a natural farming panchayat. He said the government would take several steps to improve livelihoods and strengthen the local economy.
Sukhu also announced a branding initiative for Bara Bhangal’s famous naturally grown rajmah. The move is aimed at giving the local kidney beans a distinct identity and helping farmers get better prices in the market.
The chief minister urged farmers to take advantage of the state’s minimum support price scheme for naturally grown crops. He also encouraged them to diversify into walnut and chestnut cultivation. He assured better market access for locally produced meat as part of efforts to promote sustainable agriculture and related activities.
Earlier on Saturday, Sukhu inspected flood-affected areas near the helipad and reviewed relief and rehabilitation measures with district officials.
To improve road connectivity, he directed officials to speed up construction of the road to Bara Bhangal. He asked the department to invite separate tenders for each kilometer of the project and announced ₹10 crore for the road. He also asked officials to explore the possibility of airlifting heavy machinery to the site to accelerate work.
Addressing the long-pending electricity issue, the chief minister instructed the power department to install diesel generator sets in the village. He announced one diesel generator set each for Upper and Lower Bara Bhangal until road connectivity is restored.
Sukhu also directed officials to conduct a survey for electricity connections and household wiring. He discussed the possibility of reviving the flood-damaged hydropower project and exploring solar energy options.
Responding to demands raised by residents, the chief minister said the government would take up the issue of mobile connectivity with private telecom operators. He also directed officials to identify suitable forest land for promoting eco-tourism.
Sukhu said the state government was committed to developing Bara Bhangal as a tourism destination.
For students from the remote village, the chief minister announced a special incentive scheme and proposed hostel facilities. He also assured that helicopter taxi services would be provided at the beginning and end of every academic session.
He said arrangements would also be made to help local children get admission to CBSE-affiliated schools.
In the health sector, Sukhu proposed training local residents in primary healthcare so that immediate medical assistance could be provided in the isolated region.
Addressing a public gathering, the chief minister said he had come to Bara Bhangal not for politics but to share the pain and hardships of its people.
He also announced financial assistance of ₹2 lakh each for two Mahila Mandals and ₹1 lakh for a Yuvak Mandal.
