Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur today reviewed the preparations for arrival of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for inauguration ceremony of Atal Tunnel Rohtang in a meeting with officers of district Lahaul-Spiti at Keylong. In his address on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that construction of the Atal Tunnel Rohtang is finally completed and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Lahaul on October 3, 2020 to inaugurate it. He said that Atal Tunnel Rohtang is important achievement from strategic point of view for the Nation, besides this, the tunnel would also bring vital change in the socio-economic development of the people of the area. He said that new opportunity would emerge in agriculture sector, tourism sector and horticulture sector with commencement of the Atal Tunnel, which would change the economy of the district.
He said that before the construction of Atal Tunnel, the Lahaul Valley was closed for vehicular movement for about six months, due to bad weather conditions but now the people of Lahaul Valley will be able to have round the year transport facility.He said that the construction of the Tunnel has fulfilled the long awaited dream of the people of Lahaul and there has been renewed enthusiasm for development in the entire region.Technical Education Minister Ram Lal Markanda welcomed the Chief Minister and other dignitaries and detailed the outline related to the event. He said that due to the untiring efforts of the present government, the work of this tunnel has been completed. He said that the Congress government did not work with sincerity for forest clearance, which delayed the work. He said that the development of tribal areas was neglected by the Congress Government.Chief Secretary Anil Khachi, Director General of Police Sanjay Kundu were also present on the occasion.