Gagret/Una, October 15:- Various development works worth around Rs 100 crore are underway in the Gagret Assembly constituency. These include the Andoura bridge on the Gagret-Amb road, being constructed at a cost of Rs 43 crore; the Oyal-Guglehar road at a cost of Rs 11 crore; the Bhanjal-Daulatpur via Bhadrakali road at a cost of Rs 11 crore; and the construction of the Rajiv Gandhi Day Boarding School at Sanghnai. So far, Rs 15 crore has been released for the school. In addition, a fire safety system costing around Rs 1.25 crore is being installed at Daulatpur Chowk, a sewerage scheme worth Rs 14 crore is being implemented in Gagret town, a road is being constructed at Upper Andoura at a cost of Rs 6 crore, and 25 irrigation and drinking water schemes, along with several other development works, are being undertaken.

Gagret MLA Rakesh Kalia stated this today after inaugurating a grand entrance gate and an attractive parking facility made of Khaniyara slate at the ancient Dron Mahadev Shiv Temple (Shivbari), Ambota. The entrance gate and parking facility have been constructed at a cost of around Rs 10 lakh. Their distinctive feature is that no funds were taken from the temple trust, nor was any government grant used for their construction. Built with the cooperation and donations of Shiva devotees, the parking facility is enhancing convenience for pilgrims and is also emerging as an attractive selfie point.

The MLA said that the parking facility had been beautified with an attractive flower garden, greenery and colourful lighting, making it a special attraction for devotees visiting the site. Not a single tree was cut during the construction work. This has helped preserve Shivbari’s natural beauty while ensuring a better balance between pilgrims’ convenience and environmental conservation.


Shivbari Has Gained a New Identity Through the Efforts of the SDM: Rakesh Kalia

MLA Rakesh Kalia appreciated the contribution of SDM Saumil Gautam to the development of Shivbari. He said that although the SDM had been transferred from the area, perhaps by the grace of Dron Mahadev, he had the opportunity to return and contribute to making this sacred place even more beautiful. He said that Shiv Vatika had first been developed through the SDM’s efforts. Subsequently, a grand hall was constructed with the support of a donor, and now the attractive entrance gate made of Khaniyara slate and the beautiful parking facility have further enhanced Shivbari’s grandeur.


Efforts to Secure State-Level Fair Status for Shivbari Mela

Rakesh Kalia said that Shivbari Mela had already been granted district-level fair status. Efforts would now be made to establish it as a state-level fair. He added that the matter would also be raised with the Department of Language and Culture to further enhance the importance of this historic and religious site and to explore arrangements for departmental staff at Shivbari.

Earlier, SDM Saumil Gautam honoured MLA Rakesh Kalia by presenting him with a shawl and a traditional cap.


Financial Assistance of Nearly Rs 1.75 Lakh for 10 Disaster-Affected Families

On the occasion, MLA Rakesh Kalia provided relief to families affected by the rains by distributing financial assistance cheques to around 10 families. A total amount of nearly Rs 1.75 lakh was provided to the affected families to help them recover from the losses caused by the disaster.


Those Present

Among those present were Block Congress Committee President Surender Kanwar, Vice-President Rakesh Thakur, Village Congress Committee Dangoh Khas President Harmesh Rana, Gagret SDM Somil Gautam, Gagret BDO Surinder Jaitly, Ambota Pradhan Pankaj Jaswal, NAC Chairperson Manju Thakur and other prominent people.