MP Shanta Kumar today asked the Kangra Deputy Commissioner to chalk out a plan for the development of Himani Chamunda Temple situated in the Dhauladhar hills. He said this would boost tourism in the valley. Shanta said he was ready to release Rs 50 lakh from his MPLAD fund if the district administration framed a draft for the development and expansion of the temple. He said a private aviation company had already started a helicopter service to the temple and hundreds of pilgrims were visiting the temple every day. Shanta said he had visited the temple and was shocked to find that there was no rain shelter and toilets. Even the road leading to the temple from the helipad was in bad shape.
“The temple needs immediate attention,” he said. He said he had spoken to the Deputy Commissioner and Urban Development Minister Sudhir Sharma, adding that they had assured him of doing the needful.
The MP also requested Chief Minister Virbhadhra Singh to intervene and announce a special financial package for the development of Himani Chamunda. Shanta Kumar asked the Chief Minister to take over the temple so that it could be maintained. He said power needed to be supplied to the temple as it was difficult for the pilgrims to stay in the dark.
