SHIMLA,22.01.26-
Geothermal Energy to power Himachal’s ‘Green Future’: CM
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, while presiding over a review meeting with senior officers last evening, said that Himachal Pradesh has set an ambitious target to become a Green Energy State in 2026, aiming to meet over 90 percent of its energy demand through renewable sources. He stated that the State Government was working with a spirit of ‘Vyavastha Parivartan’, a systemic transformation, to shift Himachal Pradesh towards a clean, self-reliant and sustainable energy future.
Besides, the State is heading towards tapping the Geo-thermal energy resources. Geo Thermal energy can be a significant additional resource of renewal energy, he said, adding that “keeping in mind the changing climatic conditions, Geo Thermal energy would prove to be a sustainable and secure source of energy”.
The Chief Minister said that while Himachal Pradesh has already made significant strides in hydropower, the State is now focusing on an integrated approach involving solar and hydro energy to further reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Himachal Pradesh possesses considerable geothermal potential, especially in regions such as Manikaran and Kasol in Kullu district and Tattapani in Mandi district. These areas exhibit surface temperatures ranging from 57 to 97 degrees Celsius along with high geothermal gradients, making them suitable not only for electricity generation but also for tourism-based development centered around hot springs. Harnessing this natural resource, he said, reflects the Government’s commitment to innovative governance and optimal utilization of the State’s natural assets under the ‘Vyavastha Parivartan’ framework.
The Chief Minister said that besides reducing dependence on wood and fossil fuels, Small geothermal plants could power remote villages in Kullu, Mandi, and Lahaul-Spiti and ideal for Ideal for cold towns like Shimla, Manali and Keylong. In mountainous regions, geothermal energy offers a dependable base load supply, ensuring round-the-clock power availability.
The Chief Minister stated that though Geo thermal energy has remained largely untapped in the country as well, Himachal sees it as additional and reliable source for energy requirements in a mountainous region where solar and wind is less consistent.
Not only this the geo thermal energy will be eco friendly for homes, hotels and will help in reducing deforestation, will give boost to tourism sector through geo-thermal Spas, resorts and wellness centers around hot springs like Tattapani and Manikaran and will help promoting eco-tourism. Additionally, it will also provide local employment in drilling, plant operation and maintenance, said the Chief Minister.
He said that this would not only ensure 24X7 reliable supply, unlike solar or wind which depend on weather, but also assist farmers use geothermal heat to grow vegetables and flowers in colder climates. Apart from this it will be highly efficient and will reduce electricity bills significantly and can be used in residential and commercial buildings for both heating in winter and cooling in summer, for food drying and processing.
Counting some more advantages, the Chief Minister said that it would also ensure 24X7 electricity generation, reliable base load supply especially in remote regions of the State with improved energy security in remote and inaccessible areas of the Himachal.
Besides, Solar, wind and hydropower which dominates the Renewal energy capacity, it will an additional source, particularly in tectonic belts of the State as countries with high tectonic rate like Iceland, Indonesia, China etc. Today as many as 80 countries worldwide were actively using geothermal energy, with USA as larger producer of geo thermal energy, he remarked.
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Chief Minister announces Rs.1,500 for all eligible women of Sulah
- Electricity Board division to open in Sulah
- Bhawarna to become Nagar Panchayat
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, during his visit to the Sulah Assembly constituency in Kangra district today declared that all eligible women of the Sulah constituency would be provided financial assistance of Rs. 1,500 under the Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Samaan Nidhi Yojna. He also announced a series of welfare, development and employment initiatives aimed at strengthening social security, infrastructure and public services in the region. He also announced the opening of a Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board (HPSEB) division in Sulah and the up-gradation of Bhawarna town into a Nagar Panchayat.
Addressing a large public meeting, the Chief Minister said that the state government was making continuous and sincere efforts for the overall development of Kangra district. He informed that the expansion of Kangra Airport was underway and that affected people were being given fair compensation for their land. He said the airport expansion would bring economic prosperity to the region, boost tourism and generate employment opportunities at the local level, ensuring that youth would not be compelled to migrate to metropolitan cities like Delhi or Chandigarh even for small jobs.
Emphasizing the government’s commitment to employment generation, the Chief Minister said that large-scale recruitment was being undertaken in the public sector, particularly in the police department. He announced that the state government would soon recruit 800 police constables to strengthen the law enforcement machinery. He said special consideration would be given to youth who had returned home after serving under the Agniveer scheme introduced by the Union Government. These youth would be absorbed into the Himachal Pradesh Police and provided stable employment up to the age of 58, along with the benefits of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).
The Chief Minister said that the Agniveer scheme, which limits service tenure to four years, had reduced the interest of many young people in Himachal Pradesh in joining the Army. The state government, therefore, decided to ensure long-term job security for such trained youth by providing them an opportunity to serve in the state police. “We do not believe in policies that end the future of youth after four years. Our government is committed to providing secure employment and social protection,” he said.
Speaking on education reforms, the Chief Minister said that during the previous BJP government, Himachal Pradesh had slipped to 21st position in education rankings. He said that just before the Assembly elections, schools were opened or upgraded without adequate budgetary support and staff, which weakened the education system. “I take decisions in the public interest. Parents send their children to school with the hope of quality education, but if the foundation is weak, how will children gain confidence?” he said. Due to the sustained efforts of the present government, Himachal Pradesh has now reached the fifth position in quality education. Teacher vacancies are being filled, English-medium education has been introduced from Class 1, and more than 200 schools are being converted to the CBSE curriculum.
On health services, the Chief Minister said that the condition of healthcare facilities was also poor during the previous BJP regime. He announced that within one year, AIIMS-level technology would be made available at Tanda Medical College, all other medical colleges, Palampur Hospital and all zonal hospitals to ensure quality treatment for patients. Recruitment was underway to overcome the shortage of doctors, and within six months all Primary Health Centres would have doctors, while medical colleges would be equipped with specialist doctors.
Launching a sharp attack on the BJP, the Chief Minister said the previous government had received nearly Rs. 50,000 crore more funds than the present government but they failed to utilise them properly. He said buildings worth Rs. 1,000 crore were constructed but remain vacant even today. He further alleged that in Baddi, around 5,000 bighas of land was allotted to big industrialists at throwaway prices under customized packages, causing huge losses to state revenue.
He clarified that the present government was not making any changes to Section 118 and that misinformation was being deliberately spread on social media. He said strict action would be taken against corrupt individuals and the government would not allow the people of Himachal Pradesh to be looted. Funds saved by curbing corruption were being channeled towards the welfare of orphans, widows, persons with disabilities and other weaker sections of society.
He also blamed the Centre of weakening the MGNREGA scheme, stating that it was introduced by the Congress-led UPA government for the benefit of the poor. He said the state government was conducting an IRDP survey in five phases to ensure that no eligible poor family was deprived of its rightful benefits.
Praising Sanjay Chauhan, Chairman of the State Co-operative, Agriculture and Rural Development Bank, the Chief Minister said he had played an important role in taking the bank to new heights and was sincerely committed to serving the people of Sulah by sharing their concerns and hardships.
During the programme, the Chief Minister also administered a pledge against drug abuse and said the government was taking strict action against the drug mafia to safeguard the future of youth. Various organizations honoured him on the occasion.
Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Chandra Kumar, addressing the gathering, said the Chief Minister’s vision was centred on the upliftment of villages and rural communities. He said that all budgets presented over the last three years had strengthened the rural economy. The government was promoting natural farming and empowering farmers and youth. Himachal Pradesh offers the highest Minimum Support Price in the country for natural farming produce, with wheat at Rs. 60 per kg and maize at Rs. 40 per kg. Efforts were also being made to ensure better marketing so that farmers receive remunerative prices.
Sanjay Singh Chauhan Chairman ARDB said that the Sulah Assembly constituency had suffered heavy losses during recent disasters and the Chief Minister had provided timely financial assistance to affected families. He said there was no shortage of development in the area and all announcements were being implemented on the ground. A vegetable market was under construction, which would benefit farmers in the future and government schemes were ensuring the welfare of farmers, women, labourers and all sections of society.
Ayush Minister Yadvinder, Vice Chairman of the State Planning Board Bhawani Singh Pathania, MLA Ashish Butail, District Congress President Anurag Sharma, Chairman HP School Education Board Dr. Rajesh Sharma, Vice Chairman HRTC Ajay Verma, Chairman Wool Federation Manoj Thakur, Ram Chander Pathania, Devender Jaggi, Chairman APMC Kangra Nishu Mongra, and several other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
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CM dedicates projects worth Rs. 76.41 crore for Sulah Assembly Constituency
Inaugurates newly upgraded Tehsil, Sulah
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today performed inaugurations and foundation stones of 14 development projects worth Rs. 76.41 crore in Sulah Assembly Constituency of Kangra district during his one day tour to the area. He also inaugurated the newly upgraded Tehsil, Sulah on the occasion.
The Chief Minister inaugurated double lane bridge across Moal khad on Hamirpur-Sujanpur-Thural-Maranda road constructed at cost of Rs. 12.57 crore, a bridge over Moal khad on Malag-Malaha link road built with an outlay of Rs. 3.57 crore. He also inaugurate combined office building at Dheera completed with an outlay of Rs. 10.82 crore, dedicated Rs.5.02 crore Community Health Centre building at Dheera to the people. Besides, the Chief Minister also dedicate Health Sub Centre building at Kharul completed with an outlay of Rs. 16 lakh and Rs. 15 lakh Health Sub Centre building at Bhoda. Apart from this he inaugurated Rs. 25 lakh Health Sub Centre building at Kona, Rs. 89 lakh Veterinary Hospital building at Sulah, Rs. 49 lakh Veterinary Dispensary building at Moondhi. The chief Minister also inaugurated Rs. 50 lakh additional accommodation of Government High School, Bhattu Samula, Rs. 5.45 crore improvement of distribution system of WSS Jharet Rajhoon and WSS Prour Kharot in tehsil Palampur. The Chief Minister dedicated Rs. 31.69 crore Parour and other multi villages group piped water supply scheme for part of Bhawarna and Bhedu Mahadev Block and Ghaloon (Malnoon) under Sulah constituency.
He also laid foundation stones of Rs. 2.87 crore bridge over Moul khad on Gallu Bhoda to Shivnagar road and Rs. 2 crore for additional complex of Chaudhary Tara Chand Government Senior Secondary School, Gaggal, tehsil Dheera.
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Chief Minister express mourn over death of 10 soldiers
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has expressed grief over the demise of 10 brave soldiers of the Indian Army, who lost their lives in a road accident in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir. He said that they would always be remembered for their supreme sacrifice and service to the Nation.
He prayed for peace of the departed souls and strength to the bereaved families to bear this irreparable loss.
The Chief Minister wished speedy recovery of the injured soldiers.
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Revenue Minister chairs Cabinet sub-committee meeting
Reviews measures to decongest Shimla City
A meeting of the Cabinet Sub-Committee was held today under the chairmanship of Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi to deliberate on measures to reduce congestion in Shimla city.
During the meeting the proposed relocation of key commercial areas, including the Sabzi Mandi at Lower Bazaar, Anaj Mandi, Timber Market at Lakkar Bazaar, Mechanical Market at Kachi Ghati and the Transport Area, to alternative locations in order to ease traffic and overcrowding in the city was discussed in detail.
Housing and Town and Country Planning Minister Rajesh Dharmani and Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh were present during the discussions.
Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap informed the committee that five potential sites have been identified along the Dhalli four-lane road. He said that site inspections would be conducted shortly and a detailed report submitted thereafter.
The meeting also deliberated on issues related to four parking projects in Shimla.
Former Deputy Mayor Tikender Panwar shared his suggestions on decongestion measures.
Chief Minister Advisor (Infrastructure) Anil Kapil, Commissioner MC Shimla Bhupender Atri and Joint Secretary (Law) Vivek Jyoti were also present in the meeting.
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Revenue Ministerreviews progress on Him Chandigarh City project at Baddi
· HMUDA to conduct a drone survey to digitally map the land parcels
A Cabinet Sub-Committee meeting was held here today to review progress on the proposed development of Him Chandigarh City at Baddi. The meeting was chaired by Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi,.
Housing and TCP Minister Rajesh Dharmani was also present in the meeting.
Deputy Commissioner Manmohan Sharma gave a detailed presentation on the project and briefed the committee on land availability and related revenue records. All land records were presented to the Revenue Minister. It was informed that HIMUDA would soon conduct a drone survey to digitally map the land parcels.
The committee was informed that 3,428 bighas of land have already been allotted for housing purposes. In addition, approximately 5,000 to 6,000 bighas of land from the common pool have also been identified.
It was further informed that HIMUDA and the Revenue Department, in coordination with the concerned tehsildars, would jointly undertake land consolidation and the process was expected to be completed within one month and a single consolidated land chunk would be created for the project.
Chief Executive Officer, HIMUDA Surender Vashisht was also present during the meeting.
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Meeting regarding regulation of construction activities in rural areas held
A meeting of the Cabinet Sub-Committee regarding the regulation of construction activities in rural areas was held here today under the chairmanship of Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi. Housing Minister Rajesh Dharmani and Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh were also present in the meeting.
The Panchayati Raj Department presented suggestions concerning the regulation of construction activities and developmental planning in rural areas. These included detailed recommendations on aspects such as the height of buildings, the distance of buildings from rivers, streams and rivulets, provision of space for setbacks, submission of line diagram maps in rural areas and other related points.
Secretary Amarjit Singh, Director of Panchayati Raj and Rural Development Raghav Sharma were also present at the meeting amongst others.
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Horticulture Minister releases activity calendar
Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi today released the Horticulture Activity Calendar under the Asian Development Bank funded HP SHIVA Project.
He said that the calendar provides a clear outline of activities for each month, which will give farmers, field officers, implementing agencies, and other stakeholders advance information about the works proposed under the project. This will help ensure better planning, effective co-ordination and timely implementation.
The objective of the HP-SHIVA Project is to strengthen cluster-based horticulture development, high-density plantations, irrigation facilities, crop management, value addition and market linkages in Himachal Pradesh.
Additional Director of Horticulture Satish Kumar, HP SHIVA Project Director Devender Thakur and other officials were present on this occasion.