Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today released the report “Scientific Assessment of Tackling Non-CO2 Emissions: Pathways for Himachal Pradesh”, emphasizing urgent climate action as the state faces unprecedented cloudbursts, flash floods, landslides, and shrinking glaciers.
On the occasion, two Memorandums of Agreement (MoAs) were signed to boost medicinal plant cultivation and conservation. Under the first MoA with Dabur India Limited, 12 lakh quality saplings annually will be provided to farmers across low, mid, and high-hill regions, totaling 1.2 crore saplings over ten years. Species include Amla, Harad, Bahera, Jatamansi, Kutaki, Pushkarmool, and alpine herbs like Atich and Vish.
The second MoA, with Karan Singh Vaidh, focuses on Solan district for five years, cultivating six priority medicinal plants—Turmeric, Ashwagandha, Shatavari, Tulsi, Chirayita, and Himalayan Gentian—covering 108 bighas and benefiting 225 women farmers in nearby panchayats.
CM Sukhu reiterated the state government’s commitment to environmental conservation and green energy initiatives. Himachal aims to harness 200 MW of solar power this year, establish a one-megawatt green hydrogen plant at Nalagarh in collaboration with Oil India Limited, and expand electric mobility, including 300 new e-buses and conversion of 38,000 taxis into e-taxis with a 40% subsidy.
Highlighting the severity of climate change, he noted that disasters like the 2023 floods destroyed over 23,000 homes. “Himachal Pradesh is the soul of the Himalayas; any disturbance here affects the entire nation,” he said. He also stressed that ongoing projects like the Kishau and Renuka dams will not proceed without assurances from neighboring states regarding the Bhakra Beas Management Board dues.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
