Bilaspur, April 5, 2025 — In a bid to dispel speculation over inter-state tensions, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday clarified that Punjab shares no disputes with Himachal Pradesh over water, liquor, or any other matter. Mann, who was on a personal visit to the Naina Devi temple in Himachal’s Bilaspur district with his wife and family, reiterated the strong bond between the two neighbouring states.
“Punjab and Himachal are like brothers. There have been isolated incidents like attacks on buses or bikes, but I’ve already spoken with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, and the situation is normal,” Mann said.
🔍 Focus on United Fight Against Drugs
Addressing the pressing issue of drug abuse, Mann called for a coordinated and persistent anti-drug campaign, involving both states and community-level participation.
“Panchayats across Punjab have passed resolutions to make their villages drug-free. Our fight is focused not just on cutting off the supply chain but also on identifying drug hotspots and upgrading rehab facilities,” he said.
The CM revealed that a major reshuffle of police officials allegedly involved in narcotics trade has led to the seizure of heroin worth crores and the attachment of properties owned by drug traffickers.
🚁 Anandpur Sahib–Naina Devi Ropeway Project Back in Focus
Mann also announced that he will soon hold a joint meeting with Himachal officials to fast-track the pending ropeway project between Anandpur Sahib and Naina Devi, a long-standing proposal aimed at easing pilgrimage for devotees in both states.
“Most of the components for aerial ropeways are pre-fabricated. It won’t take much time once both states agree to move forward,” he stated.
The ropeway project, first introduced under the Prem Kumar Dhumal-led BJP government, had faced a setback when the Congress government under Virbhadra Singh scrapped the MoU, calling it skewed against Himachal’s interests.
However, Mann expressed hope that the project will soon be revived with mutual consensus, promoting tourism and spiritual connectivity between the two religiously significant towns.
🌟 Key SEO Keywords:
Punjab Himachal ropeway project, Anandpur Sahib Naina Devi ropeway, Bhagwant Mann Himachal visit, Punjab Himachal drug coordination, Punjab drug fight 2025, Mann Sukhu joint meeting, Naina Devi temple news, Punjab no water dispute Himachal, drug trafficking crackdown Punjab, Himachal Punjab tourism project
