CM calls for mass movement on environmental protection

Shimla: On World Environment Day, Himachal Pradesh chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu urged the people to make environmental protection a mass movement and adopt sustainable practices in daily life.Addressing a gathering at the Ridge here on Friday, Sukhu emphasised that clean air, water, forests and rivers were invaluable natural resources and their conservation was a collective responsibility. He highlighted Himachal Pradesh's crucial role in providing ecological services to the country, stating that the state contributes environmental benefits worth nearly Rs 90,000 crore annually. The CM said the govt would strongly raise the state's concerns and rightful claims before the Centre, including at the upcoming NITI Aayog meeting.Referring to recent natural disasters, Sukhu stressed the need to expand forest cover. He announced that the state aimed to increase the forest cover to 32% by 2030 through various afforestation schemes. He also announced the addition of 297 electric buses to the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) fleet and the establishment of two biochar plants to help prevent forest fires.Sukhu reiterated the govt's commitment to eliminating drug abuse, warning that the chitta mafia would be crushed completely. He said that the PIT-NDPS Act was effectively implemented, resulting in the imprisonment of 174 drug traffickers and the seizure of assets worth Rs 51 crore. So far, 76 properties linked to drug activities have been identified, and 17 such properties have been demolished, he added.MSID:: 131529738 413 |