Latest news with #SukhvinderSinghSukhu
India Gazette
4 hours ago
- India Gazette
Himachal cabinet approves trial scheme to curb waste from tourists
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], May 31 (ANI): In a major step toward tackling environmental degradation in Himachal Pradesh, the state Cabinet on Saturday under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu approved a pilot initiative aimed at managing biodegradable and plastic waste, especially in tourist-heavy regions. Under the new scheme, tourists purchasing plastic or polythene-packed materials will be charged a nominal security fee, which will be refunded upon returning the packaging. The initiative, which will be monitored via QR codes, is being implemented on a trial basis to assess its effectiveness in reducing waste generation and promoting sustainable tourism practices. 'The idea is to encourage tourists and vendors to take responsibility for the waste they generate. The scheme will initially be launched in high-footfall areas and will help address both waste management and pollution concerns,' said Industries Minister Harshvardhan Chauhan, while briefing the media after the Cabinet meeting. Minister Chauhan emphasised that the scheme is part of a broader effort to safeguard Himachal's fragile ecology. 'Plastic and polythene are a major challenge in our hill regions. This refundable fee mechanism is a step toward behavioural change. This will be a trail-based scheme initially to be started at key tourist destinations. Based on QR code scanning, the vendor will charge a nominal fee, and that will be refunded once the plastic pack is disposed of at the collection centre,' he added. Chauhan reiterated the government's commitment to sustainable development. 'Himachal Pradesh is not just a tourist destination, it's our home. Every policy, especially those linked to the environment, must reflect long-term ecological responsibility,' he said. The capital town produces nearly 2,800 tons of solid waste, including plastic, and Manali produces over 1,100 tons per month. During the inflow of tourist seasons, the total from the two destinations is 9,000 tons during two months. A certain amount of garbage remains uncounted and is thrown in hills, destroying the ecology of the Himalayan region. The entire state, in all twelve districts, on average, produces over 15000 tons of garbage per month, and there is no proper disposal in all parts of the state, excluding Shimla and a few more towns in the state. Himachal Pradesh was the first state in the South East Asian region to ban coloured polythene recycled bags and enact a law in 1995. It became the first state in India to ban plastic and polythene carry bags in 2009. And in 2011, plastic cutlery was banned. Later in 2013, with the recommendation of a committee and directions of the High Court, the single-use plastic bags, straws and other packaging materials were also banned, including plastic plates, cups and glasses, but this was challenged in the country's apex court. But people followed this, and most of the plastic in use, excluding packaged materials in plastic, was phased out. The state banned thermocol cutlery in 2018. Despite all these efforts, plastic waste is polluting the hills. (ANI)
The Print
5 hours ago
- Business
- The Print
Return empty packages for deposit refund: HP Cabinet okays scheme to reduce non-bio waste
It also approved regularisation of services of 203 Panchayat Secretaries (Zila Parishad cadre) who have completed two years of contractual service as of March 31, 2025. Chaired by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the Cabinet also decided to fill 700 posts of home guard volunteers in the Home Guards and Civil Defence Department. Shimla, May 31 (PTI) The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet on Saturday approved a scheme under which consumers will pay a refundable deposit above the price of a non-biodegradable product, which will be returned when the empty item is brought back, an official statement said. The 'Deposit Refund Scheme 2025' aims to manage and reduce non-biodegradable waste. It will be implemented on a pilot basis and will apply to a range of packaging materials including glass bottles, plastic beverage containers, aluminium cans, liquid packaging, flexible plastic packaging, and multilayered packages, it said. Further it cleared the shifting of the Himachal Pradesh Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) office from Shimla to Dharamsala. An amendment to the Postgraduate/Specialist Services (PG/SS) Policy was approved, withdrawing the mandatory one-year field posting prior to eligibility for Senior Residency at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla, and Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda. This aligns with the policy at AIIMS, Chamiyana, and its objective is to streamline selection processes and harmonise the Resident Doctor and PG/SS policies. The Cabinet also authorised the Himachal Pradesh Forest Development Corporation to collect minor minerals and conduct dredging operations in rivers and ponds in forest areas for better resource management and environmental sustainability. Additionally, it decided to reorganise the development blocks of Sulah, Bhawarna, and Lambagaon in Kangra district, and Bhoranj in Hamirpur district, to facilitate the people in these areas. PTI BPL OZ OZ This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
News18
a day ago
- Politics
- News18
Centre Announced Ceasefire Without Consulting Armed Forces: Himachal CM Sukhu
Last Updated: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the valour of the soldiers of Himachal Pradesh was unmatched. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday alleged that the Central government declared a ceasefire with Pakistan without taking the three armed forces into confidence and said the "announcement came through social media from a third country". "The Union government declared a ceasefire without taking the three armed forces into confidence and shockingly, the announcement came through social media from a third country," he said addressing the 'Jai Hind Sabha' here. The chief minister said this is in stark contrast to the decisive leadership of former prime minister late Indira Gandhi, who never compromised with national security. Recalling the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, Sukhu said that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was the first to offer unconditional support to the Union government in the fight against terrorism, a statement issued here said. "Our brave soldiers gave a befitting reply to the terrorists," said Sukhu and paid heartfelt tributes to the brave soldiers of Himachal Pradesh and the nation. The Himachal Pradesh government and people of the state have always stood with the Indian armed forces, he added. India carried out precision strikes under Operation Sindoor on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in the early hours of May 7 in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. Following the Indian action, Pakistan attempted to attack the Indian military bases on May 8, 9 and 10. The Indian forces launched a fierce counter-attack on several Pakistani military installations. Sharing a recent experience, the chief minister mentioned his recent visit to Sharchi village in Tirthan Valley, where he stayed at the home of former soldier — Subedar Major Anoop Ram. "Anoop Kumar discussed with me about the 1971 India-Pakistan war and recalled how the address of the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi instilled patriotic zeal and boosted the morale of the Indian Army. The outcome of that war was historic and India split Pakistan into two, and Shimla later became witness to the landmark Simla Agreement," he said. The Simla Agreement was a peace treaty signed between India and Pakistan on July 2, 1972 in Shimla. It followed the India-Pakistan war of 1971. Sukhu said that the valour of the soldiers of Himachal Pradesh was unmatched. "Our soldiers never hesitated to sacrifice their lives for the nation. Himachali soldiers have the honour of being decorated with four Param Vir Chakras, which is a testament to the state's legacy of courage and sacrifice," he added. Meanwhile, Congress MP Ajay Maken said that several surgical strikes were carried in 2008, 2011, 2013 and 2014, and Pakistan was taught a lesson, but his party never politicised it as the credit goes to the Indian armed forces. It is always the brave soldiers, who sacrifice their lives for the nation, but the Congress never boasted of it or took credit, he added. MP Rajni Patil, the Congress' in-charge for Himachal Pradesh, said that senior leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge have given instructions to organise 'Jai Hind Sabha'. The valour of the Indian Army is being honored through these meetings, she added. The Congress leader said that the entire nation stood with the army and the Centre in the fight against terrorism, but it was "unfortunate" that the ceasefire was announced by a third country. State Congress chief Pratibha Singh echoed similar sentiments and said that the party has decided to organise such programs at the district level as well. The kin of martyrs, soldiers and various gallantry award recipients, who have made the supreme sacrifice for the country, were also honoured on the occasion. The chief minister presented a cheque of Rs 30 lakh to the kin of martyr Subedar Major Pawan, who died in shelling by the Pakistan Army in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch on May 10. The cheque was received by his father Garaj Singh and son Abhishek. First Published: May 30, 2025, 23:13 IST News india Centre Announced Ceasefire Without Consulting Armed Forces: Himachal CM Sukhu
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Himachal CM interacts with Sarchi village people
As part of 'Sarkar Gaon Ke Dwar' initiative of the state government, chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu visited Sharchi village of Banjar constituency of Kullu district on Wednesday evening. CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu stayed overnight at the residence of retired Subedar Anoop Ram in Sharchi village. During the visit, the CM interacted with villagers, right from children to the elderly and women. The villagers informed the CM about the day to day challenges they face. The CM gave on-the-spot directions to officers to ensure timely resolution of the issues raised by the people. Sukhu assured the villagers that adequate budgetary provisions would be made to fulfil their demands. He directed the public works department to widen and upgrade the Nagladi–Sharchi road. He further mentioned that proper drainage would be constructed alongside the road and paver blocks, where necessary, would be constructed to ensure long-term maintenance. Additionally, the CM announced a grant of one lakh rupees each to five women's self-help groups from the Sharchi gram panchayat. He informed the villagers about the schemes and initiatives started by the state government. He also briefed about the special revenue Lok Adalats being organised at the tehsil and sub-tehsil levels aimed to resolve long-pending revenue cases in a time-bound manner. 'It brings me great joy to be among you,' the CM said. 'Since the formation of this government, I have made it a priority to personally visit remote areas and understand people's problems in order to resolve them. Sharchi is the last village in the Banjar area, surrounded by scenic mountains and forests. I have already visited Dodra Kwar, Kupvi, and Pangi as part of this program and spent valuable time with the people there. My cabinet colleagues are also visiting different areas to address public issues.'
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Scheme enabling pvt entities to be part of green initiatives gets Himachal govt nod
Himachal Pradesh government has recently approved to launch Mukhya Mantri Green Adoption Yojna to involve the private sector under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) towards environmental sustainability, a state government spokesperson said on Thursday. Chief minister (CM) Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has specially mentioned this scheme in his budget speech for 2025-26 fiscal year. A spokesperson of the state government said that this would enable private entities to participate financially and engage directly in the ecological restoration of specific degraded forest sites. Under the scheme, the forest department will sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the private entrepreneurs for a period of five years, the spokesperson added. The MoU would have all details, including approved budget, cost of plantation, maintenance, protection, soil/moisture conservation, fencing and other approved activities. He said that the aim of this initiative is to increase the state's actual forest area through plantations on degraded forest lands. The spokesperson said that community involvement was a cornerstone of sustainable forest management. Adopting private entities would encourage the integration of local communities in the project, providing employment opportunities in activities such as site preparation, planting, watering, weeding and acting as chowkidars for protection. He said that local institutions like mahila mandals, yuvak mandals, self help groups and panchayat representatives would foster ownership and long term protection of the planted areas thereby ensuring livelihoods to the locals.
