Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday met with Sanjay Gunjyal, Frontier Commander of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Northern Frontier Headquarters, to discuss the role of ITBP and a range of border and development-related issues concerning the districts of Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti.
The meeting, held in Shimla, focused on strengthening security along the India-China border while also exploring avenues to boost development in the strategically significant but remote border regions.
Key topics of discussion included promoting border tourism, expanding healthcare services using ITBP facilities, procurement of local produce, employment generation in rural areas, improving disaster management coordination, and leveraging ITBP helipads to enhance access to remote areas.
CM Sukhu highlighted the importance of engagement of local communities into these initiatives. He proposed that the ITBP procure food and essential supplies directly from local farmers and horticulturists— a move that would provide a significant boost to the rural economy and create job opportunities. He also emphasised giving priority to local residents in construction work undertaken in these areas.
To improve communication infrastructure, the Chief Minister instructed officials to expedite the installation of mobile towers in border villages. Stronger connectivity, he said, is vital for both development and security preparedness.
Frontier Commander Gunjyal briefed the Chief Minister on three new road projects proposed under the Vibrant Villages Programme in Sangla Valley and Kaurik, along with 15 additional road projects planned across the state.
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri joined the meeting virtually. Among those present were Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, HIMFED Chairman Budhi Singh Thakur, CM’s OSD Gopal Sharma, Secretary Ritesh Chauhan, and senior ITBP officials including DIG Pawan Kumar Negi, Barindarjit Singh, Commandant Vasant Nogal, and Sunil Kumar Senani.
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