Climate change posing serious challenges to Himachal Pradesh, says CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday (February 24, 2026) said climate change has posed serious challenges, resulting in unprecedented cloudbursts, flash floods, landslides and shrinking glaciers in the hill State.

Terming these developments as warning signals and seeking urgent remedial measures, Mr. Sukhu asserted that any disturbance to the Himalayas would have the worst consequences not only for the State but for the entire nation.

Referring to the 2023 disaster during the monsoon season, he noted that more than 23,000 houses were destroyed in the state. He said that Himachal Pradesh was not merely a geographical entity but the soul of the Himalayas. “The State’s glaciers, rivers, forests and mountains define its identity and sustain millions beyond its borders,” he said.

The Chief Minister was speaking at the release of the report titled ‘Scientific Assessment of Tackling Non-CO2 Emissions: Pathways for Himachal Pradesh’.

He said the State is fighting for its rightful dues, adding that the State government will not proceed with upcoming projects such as the Kishau and Renuka Dams unless the neighbouring States provide concrete assurances to settle the long-pending arrears of the Bhakra Beas Management Board.

Mr. Sukhu said the government was committed to making Himachal Pradesh the first green energy State in the country.

“Environmental conservation has been accorded top priority. The government has set a target of harnessing 200 MW of solar power during the current year, with subsidies being provided to encourage youth to set up solar projects. A one-megawatt Green Hydrogen plant is also being established at Nalagarh in collaboration with Oil India Limited. In the coming years, Himachal aims to emerge as a pioneer in green hydrogen production in the country,” he said.

“Electric vehicles are being deployed across government departments, and a 40% subsidy is being provided to convert 38,000 taxis into e-taxis,” he added.

On the occasion, two Memorandums of Agreement (MoAs) were signed with M/s Dabur India Limited and M/s Karan Singh Vaidh, Solan, to promote the cultivation and conservation of medicinal plants in the State.