A meeting of the State Level Steering Committee (SLSC) on sustainable development was convened here today under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena, with special reference to the upcoming State Human Development Report (HDR). The meeting reviewed the State’s current climate action efforts in relation to policy and governance.
The Senior officers from stakeholder departments participated and deliberated on strategies for ensuring sustainable development in Himachal Pradesh. They also suggested actionable measures to launch an extensive and integrated campaign to achieve the targeted goals under this initiative.
The Chief Secretary directed the departments concerned to take stock of the existing resources and frameworks, the inadequacy of funds to meet growing needs, and the challenges of mobilizing new finance, including bureaucratic process. He observed, “agriculture, water, and forestry are interlinked sectors, and disturbance in one adversely impacts the others.”
Sh. Saxena further emphasized that “business as usual” will not suffice in addressing the scale of challenges being faced today. In the last few years, the state has witnessed severe natural calamities that have gravely impacted human life.
He stressed that a fundamental shift in working together is required, placing people at the heart of transformation. The planning process, he added, must adopt a holistic, inclusive, and participatory approach, taking into accounts the geographical conditions, aspirations, and local needs.
Highlighting the way forward, the Chief Secretary said development should be integrated, data-driven, and community-led in order to build climate resilience and foster sustainable human development. A model for sustainable development in a Himalayan state like Himachal, he said, must consider factors such as the State’s historical progress, its critical role in the country, an integrated approach, and future leadership.
Earlier, Ms. Amee Misra of UNDP made a presentation on the State Human Development Report (HDR) in relation to the State’s climate action, policy, and governance. The meeting was attended by Secretary to CM Rakesh Kanwar, Secretary JSV Rakhil Kahlon, HoFF Sanjay Sood, CCF K. Thirumal, Director SDMA D.C. Rana, and APCCF (Projects) P.K. Rana, among others.