Local MLA Sudhir Sharma on Tuesday released the ‘sankalp patra’ of the BJP for the Dharamsala Municipal Corporation elections, promising better infrastructure, tourism, traffic management and civic amenities. The BJP pledged to launch a ‘doctor on call’ mobile phone application for senior citizens, regularise houses built on government land under the Ashiana Scheme, and bring all municipal corporation services online with time-bound approvals. Sharma called it a long-term vision document rather than just an election manifesto and said that the BJP aimed to transform Dharamsala into a modern, environmentally friendly and world-class tourist city. He added that the document had been prepared keeping in mind the present needs and future challenges of the municipal corporation area.
Sharma said that while BJP candidates were raising ward-level issues during campaigning, the ‘sankalp patra’ focused on the overall development of Dharamsala, Himachal’s second capital and an emerging global tourism hub.
Among the key promises announced by the BJP were the development of smart parking facilities at 22 identified locations; ensuring round-the-clock drinking water supply; and the construction of small dams on major ‘khuds’ for water conservation.
Sharma said that the party’s priority was to strengthen basic infrastructure and improve quality of life for residents. The BJP also promised to revive the proposed funicular transport project from Charan Khud to Bhagsunag to reduce traffic congestion and improve tourist mobility. He claimed the project had been included in a previous Smart City detailed report but failed to materialise due to the lack of “political will”.
The vision document proposed the redevelopment of Kacheri Adda and Kotwali Bazaar; construction of a modern bus stand with direct connectivity to Kotwali Bazaar; beautification of major chowks and intersections; development of a viewing deck at Kainchi Mod; introduction of e-taxi services, cycling and jogging tracks and a decongestion policy.
Sharma said that the BJP would establish an ‘MC cooperative grid’ to promote self-employment opportunities for women. He added that multi-sports zones, a football academy, skill development centres and start-up incubation centres would be set up for the youth.
Sharma said that the BJP was committed to making Dharamsala a drug-free city through CCTV camera surveillance, awareness campaigns and administrative coordination.
He alleged that funds meant for Smart City projects had been misused and there had been a lack of transparency in development works.
State BJP vice-president Pawan Kajal, spokesperson Rakesh Sharma and district BJP president Sachin Sharma were present on the occasion.
