To promote more tourism and other activities, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced an indoor stadium and Ice skating rink at the famous tourist destination Manali in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh.

The announcement was made during the inauguration of the five-day National Level Winter Carnival Manali on Monday.

He also offered prayers at historic Hadimba Temple Manali and flagged off the Carnival Parade from the Circuit House Manali.

The Chief Minister also envisaged keen interest in the tableaux presented by Mahila Mandals, various departments and institutions on the occasion.

Later, while addressing a public meeting the Chief Minister announced enhancement in “Protsahan Rashi” of Mahila Mandals from existing Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000.

He also announced construction of Manali bypass to ensure smooth flow of vehicles.

He said, “Wayside facilities would be created at Solang Nallah to facilitate the tourists. This would provide better facilities to the tourists visiting Atal Tunnel. Dobhi and Peej would also be developed from a paragliding point of view to attract adventure lovers to Manali.”

The Chief Minister said that the present state government was committed to fulfill all the ten promises in a phased manner made by the Congress Party during assembly elections.

He said that the OPS would be implemented in the very first Cabinet and that women in the age group of 18 years to 60 years would also be provided Rs 1500 per month as promised by the Congress Party.

Sukhu said that the state government was also committed to protect the clean environment of the state and has decided to encourage electric vehicles in a big way.

“To begin with, 18 Transport vehicles will be replaced with electric vehicles by 15 January,” he informed, adding that better charging infrastructure will also be created in the state so that people can opt for electric vehicles.

The Chief Minister said that the state government was committed to ensure the welfare of needy children, especially orphans, destitute women and senior citizens.

He said that the Winter Carnival Manali has immense significance in view of tourism, trade, preservation of traditional beliefs and culture.

The carnival provides a platform to various artists of different states to showcase their talent, he added.