category Regional, dharamshala, , tags Regional, dharamshala, , DW BUREAU Dharamshala Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday announced a slew of development projects, including the setting up of a zoological park in Bankhandi area in Kangra district. Addressing a gathering at Haripur in Dehra assembly constituency, Sukhu said the park is estimated to cost Rs 300 crore, and will provide employment opportunities to 5,000 local youths. The project will be completed in three years, he said. In addition, the government will focus on promoting adventure tourism at Pong Lake, allocating Rs. 70 crore for the purpose. Plans include the introduction of hot air balloon activities and the construction of a floating hotel. The state government will also support the youth by providing financial assistance to buy Shikaras, aiming to create employment opportunities in the area, said he. He said that a Central University was being opened at Dehra and he has taken up the issue with Union Union Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan to commence the construction work which was in limbo for the last 10 years. On the demand of the local MLA, Hoshiar Singh the Chief Minister announced the operation of five new bus routes in the area and to reorganize the BDO office in the times to come. Additionally, two Primary Health Centers (PHCs) and an indoor stadium with a swimming pool will be built in the Dehra assembly constituency, he said. The State Government has started Mukhyamantri Sukhashray Yojana for 6000 orphan children and they have been adopted as Children of the State , under which the State Government will take full care till they attain the age of 27 years. Furthermore, financial assistance of Rs. 1.50 lakh is being offered to widows and single women to facilitate the construction of houses, he said. The Chief Minister said that the government is also striving to strengthen the rural economy through the implementation of the Him Ganga scheme. Under this initiative, cow milk will be purchased from cattle rearers at Rs. 80 per liter, while buffalo milk will be bought at Rs. 100 per litre. The Congress government returned to power in the State 5 months ago with the blessings of the people. The government has taken many important decisions during this period determining its strong willpower. In the first cabinet meeting, the old pension scheme was restored, so that the government employees who played an important role in the development could be benefitted. He said that the employees of HPSEBL would also be brought under the ambit of old pension scheme. (editor dailyworld.in)