₹26.75 Cr Sewage Treatment Plant Launched in Keylong, Big Boost for Lahaul-Spiti Infrastructure
Keylong, Lahaul-Spiti | June 29, 2025 – Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Sunday laid the foundation stone for a modern Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) in Keylong, the district headquarters of Lahaul-Spiti.
The project, worth ₹26.75 crore, aims to improve sanitation and protect water bodies in this high-altitude region.
“This STP is a crucial step towards sustainable development in Lahaul-Spiti.
It will improve local hygiene and safeguard our mountain water sources,” said Rijiju. He was addressing a public gathering after the formal ceremony.
₹150 Cr Projects Rolled Out in Three Days
In the last 72 hours, Rijiju has unveiled projects worth over ₹150 crore across Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur districts. These include:
Location Project Estimated Cost
Keylong, Lahaul Sewage Treatment Plant ₹26.75 crore
Sissu, Lahaul High-Altitude Sports Training Centre ₹73.77 crore
Kaza, Spiti Indoor Stadium + Synthetic Track & Cricket Ground ₹6.37 crore
Reckong Peo, Kinnaur Synthetic Turf Football Ground ₹4.8 crore
“These investments mark a major push for border-area infrastructure under the Modi government’s vision,” Rijiju said, adding, “Our aim is to match the infrastructure near the Chinese border with world-class facilities.”
‘Border Villages Are the Nation’s First Line of Defence’
Rijiju also took a veiled dig at previous governments, recalling that in 2013, then Defence Minister A.K. Antony had said India wouldn’t build roads in border areas for strategic reasons.
“Today, under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, we are doing exactly the opposite—building strong border communities with robust infrastructure,” Rijiju said.
Musical Touch: Mohit Chauhan Lends Voice to the Celebration
Adding cultural vibrancy to the event was renowned singer Mohit Chauhan, a proud son of Himachal Pradesh.
His presence and soulful performance uplifted the mood of the crowd in the serene mountain town.
Himachal Thanks PM Modi & Rijiju
The people of Himachal Pradesh, particularly in tribal and high-altitude districts, have expressed gratitude to the central government.
“We thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Minister Kiren Rijiju for consistently supporting the development needs of remote Himalayan areas,” said Jai Ram Thakur, exCM who was also present on the occasion.Jairam Thakur: “Atal dreamt it, Modi delivered it — Lahaul’s life changed forever”
Addressing a rally in Keylong, Jai Ram Thakur said former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee had dreamt of connecting Lahaul, and Prime Minister Modi fulfilled that vision through the Atal Tunnel.
“Modi ji told me in 2017 — we must finish this at all costs. That’s leadership,” said Thakur.
He slammed the Sukhu government for shutting down institutions set up during the BJP era, calling it a government that only takes, not gives.
Thakur thanked the Centre and Union Minister Kiren Rijiju for sanctioning Rs 150 crore worth of tribal area projects, including a high-altitude sports centre and an ice skating rink.
“Despite 1.2 lakh homes and Rs 4,000 crore aid post-disaster, the state govt hasn’t thanked the Centre once. Instead, it chooses to insult,” he said.
These projects reflect the government’s strong push for inclusive development in India’s most remote corners — where infrastructure meets elevation, and where the spotlight is now finally shining.
The success depends on how quickly the state will deposit the seed funds of 10 per cent.
