Shimla, Nov 23 (IANS): Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur on Friday said efforts would be made to develop Palampur town as a tourist destination and for this, a ropeway service will be started to the hilltop Aadi Himani Chamunda temple.

Addressing a public meeting at Nagri near Palampur in Kangra district, he said the government has ensured a balanced and equitable development of all areas in the state with special focus on development of those areas which have remained neglected so far.

Currently, the Aadi Himani Chamunda shrine can be reached only through an uphill trek of about 16 km from the famous shrine of Chamunda Devi near Dharamsala town, some 250 km from the state capital Shimla.

Thakur said the opposition was making a hue and cry over his New Delhi visits. It was for better coordination between the Centre and the state government. The state has succeeded in getting developmental projects worth Rs 9,000 crore sanctioned by the Centre.

The Chief Minister also laid the foundation stone of a drinking water scheme at Ghuggar that would be completed at a cost of Rs 25.08 crore and would benefit over 67,000 people from 98 habitations.