Emphasizing the global significance of Himalayan conservation, Deputy Chief Whip of Himachal Pradesh, Kewal Singh Pathania, addressed the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Summit in Boston, USA. He presented Himachal Pradesh as a model of balancing ecological preservation with development, stating, “Protecting the Himalayas is a global responsibility.”
Pathania, speaking on behalf of the state government, credited CM Sukhu for steering Himachal’s future around three key pillars: green development, advanced healthcare, and inclusive growth. He stressed that eco-tourism is not just a source of revenue but a practical climate action model that ensures sustainability.
Beginning his address with a warm “Namaste”, he highlighted the government’s vision that tourism must benefit both people and the planet. Citing his own Dharamshala constituency as an example, he shared how it is emerging as a tourism capital through sustainable initiatives such as water sports in Pong Dam, trekking in Dhauladhar ranges, and ecological development of Kareri Lake and Chamera reservoir.
He also shared the success of Gobind Sagar Lake, now a thriving water sports hub with kayaking, boating, and Shikaras, reflecting the state’s growing adventure tourism sector. To protect the fragile Himalayan ecosystem, he underscored the government’s preference for tunnels and ropeways over destructive mountain-cutting for four-lane roads.
Pathania warned about the rapid retreat of Himalayan glaciers—15 to 20 meters annually—and the rise in cloudbursts, flash floods, and forest fires, which threaten regional water security and biodiversity. “Climate justice for the Himalayas is climate justice for all,” he remarked, stressing that changes in the Himalayas affect the river systems and weather patterns of all of Asia, impacting 1.9 billion people.
He further highlighted the state’s commitment to becoming a Green and Clean Himachal, detailing the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) in public transport and the state assembly’s transformation into the first paperless legislative assembly in India.
The Deputy Chief Whip also spoke on digital healthcare advancements, including precision care and closing urban-rural healthcare gaps through technology. Inviting global collaboration, he called upon international partners, investors, and researchers to support Himachal in becoming a global model for sustainable development and environmental conservation.
MLAs Sanjay Awasthi, Vinod Sultanpuri, and Deep Raj also attended the summit and participated in key discussions around global environmental strategies.
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