Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today presided over the State-level World Environment Day function held at Peterhoff, Shimla. The event was jointly organized by the Department of Environment, Science & Technology and Climate Change, and the Himachal Pradesh Council for Science, Technology & Environment (HIMCOSTE).
On the occasion, the Chief Minister announced the distribution of six lakh stainless steel water bottles to school students across the state as an initiative to wage war against plastic use. He emphasized that the State Government is according top priority to environmental protection. Concrete measures were being taken to control plastic pollution.
Regulations related to plastic use have been made quite stringent and consistent efforts were being made to increase public awareness. The State Government has set a target to make Himachal Pradesh a 'Green Energy State' by 31st March 2026, and several innovative initiatives were being implemented in this direction, he reiterated. New schemes were being rolled out to increase green cover in the state.
Multiple steps were being taken to promote solar energy projects, green corridors, electric vehicles, and green energy. The State Government has also requested for 'Green Bonus' from the Central Government to strengthen the efforts being made to preserve green cover, he remarked.
The Chief Minister also launched the 'Single-Use Plastic Challan Mobile App', which will allow officials to issue paperless and instant challan for illegal use of plastic. He also released pamphlets brought out Environment Department.
Machines for making eco-friendly 'doona' (leaf bowl) and 'pattals '(leaf plates) were gifted to both Shakti and Ekta Self-Help Groups, and Kushala Sankul Sangathan. Additionally, an eco-shredder machine was also presented to the Eco Club of Rajya Kanya Maha Vidalaya (RKMV) Shimla.
The Chief Minister also awarded winners of various competitions organized as part of the celebration. Prior to the main event, he visited the exhibition set up by the department.
Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena shared detailed insights on key environmental initiatives taken in the state. He said the Deposit Refund Scheme will prove effective in regulating plastic producers and polluters.
He also highlighted subjects such as climate adaptation plans, climate literacy, and expanding green cover. Director Environment, Science & Technology and Climate Change, D.C. Rana, welcomed the Chief Minister and presented a summary of the department’s activities.
Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania, MLAs Sanjay Awasthi and Harish Janartha, Mayor Surinder Chauhan, Deputy Mayor Uma Kaushal, Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena, Director Environment, Science Technology and Climate Change DC Rana, Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap, Member Secretary Pollution Control Board Anil Joshi, other senior officers, students and stakeholders were also present on the occasion.