New Sanjauli-Dhalli tunnel
Context:
- The recently built new constructed Sanjauli-Dhalli tunnel, was inaugurated by Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister.
- The existing tunnel, dates back to 1852, served as a single-lane passage and had surpassed its design life, causing persistent traffic congestion.
Importance of the Tunnel:
- The inauguration of the new tunnel marks a strategic move to provide smoother transportation for not only residents but also tourists.
- The tunnel which is strategically positioned on the route to popular tourist destinations like Kufri, Naldehra, Tattapani, Narkanda and Chail, will the movement of tourists easier and contribute to the region’s economic growth.
- Tourism which is a key industry in Himachal Pradesh, stands to gain significantly from the improved connectivity.
- The paintings in the tunnel contain the theme of the Jatar procession of Shimla were conceptualised by Professor Him Chatterjee.
- Professor Him Chatterjee had earlier designed the murals (wall paintings) on the 28,991-square metre Integrated Transit Corridor in and also around the Pragati Maidan in Delhi.
- Apart from the infrastructural advantages, the project is also expected to generate local employment opportunities and foster increased social integration and interaction in the region.
- The Choltu dance is also depicted in the paintings which is an important form of “Pahari” dance.
Choltu Dance:
- Choltu dance is an important form of Pahari dance especially in the upper Himachal area’s like Theog, Rohru, Rampur, Kotkhai.
- This dance is generally performed by local people in devotion to the local Devi Devta’s on special occasion.
- This dance is one of the oldest among dances of ancient Mahasu distt, himachal Pradesh.
- This dance represents the preservation of cultural heritage of Himachal Pradesh.