Prem Kumar Dhumal, Chief Minister laid foundation stone and dedicated developmental projects valued at over Rs. 30 crore in Chopal assembly segment of district Shimla during his one day visit to the interior of the constituency, which he travelled on road right from Shimla to Chopal-Nerwa and then onward to the most interior area Kupvi, last evening. The projects includes dedication of ITI at Chopal, foundation stone of 60KV Sub Station at Lashtadhar near Chopal, foundation stone of Lift Water Supply Scheme to various uncovered habitations at Nagdhar and dedication of road from Kupvi to Bhalu. Addressing a mammoth public meeting at Kupvi late last evening, Chief Minister said that the Naib Tehsildar of Kupvi would be given the powers of Tehsildar to oversee various revenue and administrative services to the people of the area and also said that BDO would also be camping at Kupvi to oversee the developmental activities taking place in the interior of Chopal segment. He said that one ambulance under Atal Swasthya Sewa would also be positioned at Kupvi to provide people efficient health and transportation services under critical conditions. Prem Kumar Dhumal said that the entire nation was effected with the unchecked price rise of all the essential commodities and services. He said that during NDA regime, LPG cylinder was available for Rs. 210 which now costed Rs. 450. He said that the whenever UPA came to the power at the Centre, there had not been any check on the price rise and petroleum product prices had been increased record 18 times during the UPA regime. He said that State Government had endeavoured to provide solace to the consumers and common man by subsidising essential commodities, domestic power and launching a number of schemes to help improve purchasing power of the common man. He said that Rs. 140 crore were being spent on subsidising essential commodities to every ration card holder and Rs. 190 crore for subsidising domestic power tariff. He said that both the subsidies were available to the consumers irrespective of their economic and social status. He said that similarly, round the clock toll free ambulance service under Atal Swasthya Sewa was also available to everyone calling for the service. He said that similarly there were many other schemes like Pandit Deen Dayal Kisan Baagwan Samridhi Yojna to strengthen the traditional agriculture sector, Doodha Ganga Yojna to bring about white revolution , JICA funded organic fertilizer scheme to give boost to organic farming and Bhed Palak Samridhi Yojna for the benefit of shepherds. He said that there had not been any section of the society left uncovered under one of the other scheme. Chief Minister said that horticulture sector had been strengthened by launching Rs. 85 crore Apple Replantation Scheme to increase the crop yield, which was only 5 to 7 tonne per hectare in the State compared to 50 to 60 tonnes in apple growing foreign countries. He said that the State Government had succeeded in bridging the gap between the rich and the poor through various schemes launching during last four years. He said that after strengthening the road infrastructure network in the State, the Government was exploring possibilities of boring traffic tunnels in different parts of the State, not only to reduce the distances but also contribute towards protection of the environment.He said that development of Chopal segment had been carried by BJP during its previous and present regime. He said that opening of Government Degree College at Nerwa and ITI at Chopal were announced during previous BJP regime and now ITI Chopal had been upgraded to polytechnic college which would start functioning from next academic session. He announced Rs. 70 lakh for the Science Block of Government Senior Secondary School Kupvi. He also said that a modern solid waste management plant would be constructed at Chopal for the benefit of the residents there. He directed the officers to construct 66KV Electricity Sub Station in Kupvi area to ensure uninterrupted power supply and solve low voltage problem of the area. Narender Bragta, Horticulture Minister said that the BJP had never created regional or geographical barriers and had always been carrying uniform and balanced development of the entire State. He said that it was under the leadership of Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal, Chief Minister that added attention was paid to strengthen the horticulture economy of the State. Dr. Subhash Manglate, local MLA also welcomed the Chief Minister and apprised him of local demands. Sushil Chauhan, Chairman, Panchayat Samiti Chopal and Anil Kimta, a senior local BJP leader also welcomed the Chief Minister while Shri D.R. Hasta, former Chairman, Zila Parishad urged Chief Minister for upgrading Sub Tehsil to Tehsil, opening of BDO office and ITI etc. at Kupvi. Sukhram, local Gram Panchayat Pradhan also welcomed the Chief Minister. Smt. Seema Mehta, Member, BJP State Executive Committee, Dr. Arun Sharma, Deputy Commissioner, Shri Chander Shekhar Pandit, S.P. and other prominent people of the area and senior officers were present on the occasion among others.