CM Sukhu Assures Apple Growers of Government Support; Vows to Take Concerns to Centre.
Shimla:
The Himachal Pradesh government has pledged full support to apple growers in the state, assuring that their grievances will be raised at the highest level. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu made this announcement following a meeting with a delegation from the Seb Utpadak Sangh (Apple Growers’ Association), led by former MLA and CPI(M) leader Rakesh Singha.
The delegation met the Chief Minister to voice concerns regarding issues affecting apple farmers, including alleged illegal tree felling in protected areas, rehabilitation of disaster-affected families, and forest land regulations hampering agricultural expansion. CM Sukhu assured the growers that their demands would be considered “sympathetically,” reaffirming the state government’s commitment to the welfare of farmers and horticulturists.
“The government has already approached the Supreme Court seeking relief for apple growers,” Sukhu said, emphasizing that no tree felling would be allowed in violation of the Apex Court’s stay order.
He also directed the Forest Department to immediately investigate reports of tree felling in the Karsog and Kullu valleys, which allegedly occurred despite the court’s directive.
To Raise Matter with Union Government
The Chief Minister further assured the delegation that the state government would take up the matter with the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. He added that a comprehensive policy would be drafted in consultation with all stakeholders to resolve the ongoing issues affecting the apple-growing community.
On the rehabilitation front, Sukhu stated that the state has already urged the Central Government to allow the allocation of one to five bighas of land for families who have been rendered landless due to natural disasters. Noting that 68% of Himachal Pradesh is under forest cover, the Chief Minister stressed the need to relax certain forest norms to expedite rehabilitation efforts.
“All BJP MPs from Himachal Pradesh have been asked to pursue the matter with the Union Government,” he said, calling for a bipartisan approach to support the state’s farming community.
Revenue Minister Voices Strong Support
Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi echoed the Chief Minister’s sentiments, assuring full support from the state government. He noted that potential relief options under the Forest Rights Act, 2006, similar to those provided to Pong Dam oustees, could be explored for apple growers and disaster victims.
“The State Government will leave no stone unturned in helping our farmers. The Chief Minister has shown positive intent, and we stand firmly with our apple growers,” said Negi.
Also present during the meeting were former Shimla Mayor Sanjay Chauhan and senior CPM leader Dr. Kuldeep Singh Tanwar, who expressed hope that the state’s proactive stance would lead to concrete relief measures for the horticulture sector, which is a vital component of Himachal’s economy.
The meeting marks a significant step in bringing the concerns of apple growers into the policy spotlight, as climatic challenges and land-related regulations continue to affect horticultural livelihoods across the hill state.
