The government proposes to connect Chamba and Kangra areas, which have a sizeable concentration of Gaddi population, by boring a tunnel across the Dhauladhar range.

This was stated by Chief Minister P.K. Dhumal while addressing members of the Gaddi community here today. Members of the community had called on him to thank him for appointing Trilok Kapoor as the chairman of the state wool federation. He said the tunnel would link Uttrala (Baijnath) in Kangra and Holi in Chamba.

The government had directed the authorities concerned to prepare a pre-feasibility report for the project. At present, members of the community, mostly inhabiting the upper areas of Baijnath and Holi, were required to undertake a long journey to get across.

He said the district headquarters of Chamba had already been connected with the Killar sub-divisional headquarter through Saach Pass, reducing the distance between the two placed by over 500 km. With the opening of the new road, the people would have to travel 170 km only.

Dhumla said the government had also created mobile schools facility for the benefit of nomadic Gaddis and Gujjars who could not send their children to regular schools. Efforts were being made to engage teacher from amongst the educated youth of the community.

Later, the same delegation called on transport minister Kishan Kapoor.

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