CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Flags Climate Alarm as Himachal Unveils Non-CO2 Emissions Roadmap; MoAs Signed to Boost Medicinal Plant Cultivation.
Shimla:
Warning that unprecedented cloudbursts, flash floods and shrinking glaciers are clear signals of accelerating climate change, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday released a landmark report titled “Scientific Assessment of Tackling Non-CO2 Emissions: Pathways for Himachal Pradesh” and announced a series of green initiatives aimed at strengthening the State’s environmental resilience.
The Chief Minister also oversaw the signing of two Memorandums of Agreement (MoAs) with Dabur India Limited and Karan Singh Vaidh, marking a major push to promote the cultivation and conservation of medicinal plants across Himachal Pradesh.
1.20 Crore Saplings Over 10 Years
Under the MoA with Dabur India Limited, the company will provide 12 lakh quality saplings annually — one lakh per species — amounting to 1.20 crore saplings over a ten-year period. The distribution will be aligned with the ecological suitability of different regions of the State.
- Low and Mid-Hill Regions: Species such as Amla, Harad, Bahera, Kakadshingi and Lodhra will be distributed across Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, Sirmaur and lower Shimla districts.
- Mid to High-Hill Areas: Jatamansi, Kutaki, Sugandhbala (herbs), Padam Kasht (tree) and Pushkarmool (herb) will be promoted in Kullu, Chamba, Mandi, upper Shimla and Kinnaur.
- Alpine Regions: Atich and Vish (herbs) will be made available in higher reaches of Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti and Chamba districts.
The second MoA, signed with Karan Singh Vaidh, Solan, is for a five-year period and focuses on cultivation, conservation and value-chain development of six priority medicinal species — Turmeric (Curcuma longa), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Chirayita (Swertia chirayita) and Himalayan Gentian (Gentiana kurroo).
In its initial phase, the initiative will cover at least 225 women farmers across more than 108 bighas of land in selected panchayats of Solan district, aiming to enhance rural incomes while preserving biodiversity.
Target: India’s First Green Energy State
Reiterating the government’s commitment to making Himachal Pradesh the country’s first Green Energy State, the Chief Minister said environmental conservation has been accorded top priority.
“Three years ago, we set a target to transform Himachal Pradesh into a Green Energy State. Sustained efforts are being made to conserve natural resources,” he said.
The State has set a target of harnessing 200 MW of solar power during the current year, with subsidies being extended to encourage youth to establish solar projects.
Additionally, a one-megawatt Green Hydrogen plant is being established at Nalagarh in collaboration with Oil India Limited. The Chief Minister said the State aims to emerge as a pioneer in green hydrogen production in the coming years.
Push for Electric Mobility
The State Government is also accelerating electric mobility initiatives. Around 300 new electric buses will be inducted into the fleet of Himachal Road Transport Corporation by April this year. Electric vehicles are being deployed across government departments, and a 40 percent subsidy is being offered to convert 38,000 taxis into e-taxis.
‘Warning Signals’ from the Himalayas
Expressing serious concern over climate change impacts, the Chief Minister said the State has witnessed unprecedented cloudbursts, flash floods, landslides and rapidly shrinking glaciers.
“These are warning signals that demand urgent remedial measures,” he said, referring to the 2023 disaster in which more than 23,000 houses were destroyed across the State.
Describing Himachal Pradesh as “the soul of the Himalayas,” he said its glaciers, rivers, forests and mountains sustain millions beyond its borders. Any ecological disturbance in the region, he warned, would have grave consequences not only for the State but for the entire nation.
Stand on Pending Dues
The Chief Minister also asserted that the State Government would not proceed with upcoming projects such as the Kishau and Renuka dams unless neighbouring states provide concrete assurances to clear long-pending arrears of the Bhakra Beas Management Board, adding that some positive signals have emerged on the issue.
