Gere, Goldie to Mcleodganj’s rescue

Rinpoche has now formally taken up the matter with the state government.‘‘I discussed it with HP Tourism Minister Vijai Singh Mankotia, who promised that certain steps will be taken to develop the town’’, said Rinpoche, who underlined the need to curb illegal encroachments and unauthorised concrete structures dotting the township.

Mankotia said the state government is seriously planning to take the reins away from the Municipal Council, Dharamsala, and give it to McLeodganj Development Authority (MDA). ‘‘Rinpoche,’’ he said, ‘‘has told me that Gere, Hawn and even Pierce Brosnan have pledged some funds for developing the town.’’

The minister admitted the town is facing a civic crisis due to the surge in population — around 15,000 Tibetan refugees flock to it every month. ‘‘We feel there is need for a comprehensive plan to give the town a facelift, and make it more tourist-friendly.’’ He said he had already discussed the matter with Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh and the Cabinet will take a decision on it soon.

Meanwhile, Tibetan nationals are delighted over the idea of developing the town. Social activist Tsering Dorje said: ‘‘The surroundings definitely needed to be beautified as the conditions of the roads and other sight-seeing places is deplorable’’.

SDM, Kangra A.L. Sharma also said that Tibetans were concerned about the prevailing conditions and wanted the township to be improved. ‘‘See they want good roads, parking facilities, proper street lights and ropeways which requires at least Rs 20 crores’’, said Sharma, adding that Tibetan administration had made offers that they would fund the whole projects.