VISHAL RANA, HAMIRPUR –

In a significant move to revitalize public administrative infrastructure, the district of Hamirpur is embarking on a comprehensive ₹9.4 million redevelopment project for its Mini Secretariat. This ambitious initiative, which includes a ₹4 million exterior transformation and a ₹5.4 million expansion for a new Emergency Operations Center, is poised to elevate the complex into a model facility for the entire state of Himachal Pradesh. The Public Works Department (PWD), tasked with executing the vision, has finalized the estimates and designs for a project that will radically alter the building’s aesthetic and functional profile.

The exterior makeover will address the currently dilapidated walls, windows, and roof with a meticulously planned color scheme. The front strip will feature a cream pie shade, complemented by a garden moss shade on the lower window sections. The stone portions of the walls will be redone in a smoky gray, while the window frames will echo the cream pie shade of the facade. This artistic color combination is designed to make the structure unrecognizable from its former self, setting a new standard for government buildings.

Adding a crucial layer to the district’s disaster management capabilities, a new floor will be constructed atop the existing three-story structure. This ₹5.4 million expansion will house a state-of-the-art Emergency Operations Center, functioning under the Disaster Management Act to enhance coordination and response during crises. This addition will effectively transform the Mini Secretariat into a four-story building, with further proposals for a new stage and additional expansion within the campus grounds.

This exterior overhaul builds upon the extensive interior renovations already completed over the past year and a half under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner Amarjit Singh. A cornerstone of these improvements is a fully-equipped waiting hall for citizens, complete with seating for 50-60 people, a large LED screen, and a refreshment counter operated by the District Red Cross Society. The walls are adorned with large paintings showcasing Himachal Pradesh’s rich culture and tourist destinations.

The commitment to public convenience extends throughout the campus. The CM Cell now features corporate-style counters and comfortable sofas, while various branches like the License Branch and NIC Office have been completely revamped. The exterior grounds host a statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, a rain shelter, a children’s park, a badminton court, a crèche for the children of working women, and an open-air gym. Future plans also include the restoration of the adjacent, deteriorating Bachat Bhawan.

Deputy Commissioner Amarjit Singh stated, “Our consistent effort has been to make the entire office campus convenient for the common citizen. The upcoming exterior renovation will complete this vision, ensuring that the Hamirpur Mini Secretariat serves as a road model for DC offices across the state, combining aesthetic excellence with unparalleled public amenities.” With the budget approved and designs ready, the Mini Secretariat is set to become a benchmark for integrated, citizen-friendly governance in the region.