Shimla / Pangi, April 13 — The remote and rugged Pangi Valley in Chamba district is brimming with anticipation as it prepares to host the first-ever state-level Himachal Day celebrations at Killar, the administrative headquarters of the valley, on April 15, 2025.
This celebration led by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, is being seen as a landmark in the region’s history, carrying hopes of long-awaited development.
According to official sources, the Chief Minister is set to inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for a slew of developmental projects worth over ₹120 crore, aimed at addressing the chronic infrastructure and service gaps in the valley.
Major Inaugurations & Announcements Expected:
Road Connectivity Boost: CM will inaugurate the newly constructed Killar-Gulabgarh link road, significantly reducing travel time to Jammu & Kashmir and improving inter-state trade routes.
The road project, worth ₹48 crore, is expected to enhance emergency accessibility and boost local tourism.
Telecom Infrastructure: 12 new mobile towers will be commissioned to expand telecom coverage to over 85% of Pangi Valley, a game-changer for locals who have long suffered from communication blackouts.
Healthcare Services:
The CM is likely to inaugurate the upgraded Community Health Centre (CHC) at Killar, with telemedicine facilities and improved maternal care units, catering to around 15,000 residents across scattered hamlets.
Market Linkages for Organic Produce: The state government is expected to announce a special market facilitation scheme for tribal farmers of Pangi, focusing on organic rajma, pulses, and medicinal herbs — ensuring better prices and reduced dependence on middlemen.
The cooperative societies have come up in the Pangi Valley growing organic crops. They need easy access to markets as transportation cost is very high.
Women's Expectations: Rs 1500 Scheme Release
Echoing their counterparts in Spiti, the women of Pangi are hopeful that the CM will release the next installment of the ₹1500 per month, Mukhyamantri Sukh-Aashray Yojana, a direct support scheme for women in tribal and remote regions. This would directly benefit over 3,200 women beneficiaries in Pangi Valley.
A Historic Visit
"This is the first time in history that a Chief Minister has chosen our valley for state-level celebrations. It feels like a dream," says Satish, Pradhan of Killar-1.
"We hope the CM will listen to our voices and give priority to our needs: better roads, reliable phone networks, healthcare, and guaranteed prices for our crops."
Adding to the optimism, Balbir, Pradhan of Kiryuni Gram Panchayat, remarked, "The Chief Minister's continuous engagement with tribal areas is reassuring. His visit to Pangi sends a strong message of inclusion. We trust he will address our woes."
Cultural Festivities & Community Spirit
The Himachal Day event is set to be a vibrant showcase of local culture, with folk dance performances, exhibitions of handicrafts, and displays of Pangi’s unique organic products.
More than 5,000 people are expected to attend, with special transport arrangements being made by the district administration.
Administrative Push
Deputy Commissioner of Chamba, Rajat Kumar, confirmed that all arrangements are in full swing. "This is not just an event but a historic opportunity to highlight the developmental aspirations of Pangi. Every department is mobilized," he said.
The decision to hold the state-level Himachal Day celebrations in Pangi is more than symbolic — it signals a new chapter for the valley
With the Chief Minister’s announcements, Pangwals hope this historic day will mark the beginning of long-overdue progress and prosperity for their land.
Will Pangwals get their due?
