Process begins to make Pangi valley as a natural farming Sub-Division

SHIMLA -22nd May, 2025-A spokesperson of the Agriculture department today informed that the Himachal Pradesh government has started the process to declare Pangi valley as natural farming Sub-Division. This step follows the announcement made by the Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Himachal Day. He said that the barley being produced in the Pangi area would be purchased at a minimum support price (MSP) of Rs. 60 per kilogram. This move is expected to provide a strong economic boost to the farmers of the area.

The spokesperson said that to ensure effective implementation of this plan, a committee was formed as per the directions of the Chief Minister which visited three panchayats in the region Shaur, Purthi and Rai. During the visit the team held meetings with panchayat representatives and local farmers to share detailed information about the concept, benefits and methods of natural farming.

Apart from this, a meeting was held in Killar under the chairmanship of the Resident Commissioner. This meeting was attended by the BDC Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, BDC members and the heads and deputy heads of all 19 panchayats in Pangi. The meeting included detailed discussions on adopting natural farming, planning its implementation across various areas and collecting suggestions from different panchayats.

The spokesperson added that the Resident Commissioner shared key aspects of natural farming with the local representatives and encouraged the people of the valley to adopt this eco-friendly method. Experts from Shimla, who were part of the committee also gave detailed presentations on various aspects of natural farming.

He said that this initiative by the government would not only strengthen the farming sector in Pangi but also help establish it as a model natural farming valley. It was expected to bring significant economic improvement in the Region.

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CM condoles demise of senior Congress leader

SHIMLA,22nd May, 2025Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has expressed deep condolences on the passing of senior Congress leader Sunder Singh Jaswal from the Sayari area of Solan district. He was 83 and passed away today morning at his native place.

The Chief Minister said that Sunder Singh Jaswal had dedicated his life to public service. He served as Vice Chairman of the Khadi Board, Member of the Zila Parishad and Pradhan of Gram Panchayat Sayari and played a vital role in the development of the region.

Shri Sukhu prayed to the Almighty to grant peace to the departed soul and strength to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss.

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CM meets Union Ministers CR Patil

· Seeks support on Kishau, Renuka projects

SHIMLA-22nd May, 2025-Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu met Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil in New Delhi today to discuss key water resource projects concerning Himachal Pradesh.

The Chief Minister strongly advocated for the protection of rights of the state in the Kishau Hydro Electric Project and emphasized the need for a favourable funding pattern.

He said that the financial burden of the Kishau project should be borne entirely either by the Government of India or by the major beneficiary states such as Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister also raised critical issues concerning the Renuka Dam project. He called for due consideration of the Local Area Development Fund and the free power component. He said that while hydro projects are essential for national development, the environmental and social impacts must also be addressed and the affected states should be fairly compensated.

Apart from this the Chief Minister requested the early release of the pending amount under the Jal Jeevan Mission for the state.

Union Minister CR Patil assured the Chief Minister of all possible assistance and cooperation from the central government.

Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena, Principal Advisor to the Chief Minister Ram Subhag Singh, Resident Commissioner Meera Mohanty and Secretary to the Chief Minister Rakesh Kanwar were also present during the meeting.

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CM calls on Union Health Minister J.P.Nadda

· Urges Centre’s support for upgrading health infrastructure

SHIMLA -22nd May, 2025-Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu met Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, J.P. Nadda in New Delhi today and sought central support for strengthening health infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh.

The Chief Minister apprised the Union Minister about the state’s requirements in implementing schemes such as Ayushman Bharat and the National Health Mission. He said that there was a need for strengthening health facilities across the state.

He specifically requested the establishment of a dedicated cancer care centre in the state and introduction of advanced medical technologies and modern equipments in government hospitals to ensure better healthcare to the patients.

Shri Sukhu also urged for relaxation in eligibility criteria for various central schemes and sought early release of pending funds.

Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda assured the Chief Minister that the interests of Himachal Pradesh would be fully safeguarded and that all necessary cooperation would be extended by the Centre.

Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena, Principal Advisor to the Chief Minister Ram Subhag Singh, Resident Commissioner Meera Mohanty and Secretary to the Chief Minister Rakesh Kanwar accompanied the Chief Minister during the meeting.

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Model bye-laws issued for solid waste management and sanitation in rural areas

SHIMLA-22nd May, 2025-The State government has issued model bye-laws for solid waste management and sanitation-2025 under Section 188 of the Himachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj Act, 1994 to strengthen solid waste and sanitation services in the rural areas of the state.

A spokesperson of the Rural Development department has informed that all Gram Panchayats have been directed to adopt these model bye-laws within six months. The bye-laws focus on the proper segregation of waste at source, door-to-door collection, imposition of penalties for violations and recovery of user charges from every household and establishment.

He said the funds collected would be used for operation and maintenance of sanitation assets and hiring manpower for daily waste collection. The panchayats have also been given the flexibility to decide user charges and penalties according to local conditions.

The new rules aim to address the increasing problem of solid waste in villages and it would encourage panchayats to provide regular waste management services. The citizens, in turn, would be empowered to demand these services. The effective implementation of these bye-laws would also ensure proper utilization of the financial support being provided by the State government for solid waste management.

As per the new guidelines, Gram Panchayats would be responsible for arranging door-to-door waste collection through waste pickers or authorized agencies and the collected waste would be taken to segregation sheds set up at the panchayat level. Recyclable plastic waste would be sold to recyclers, while non-recyclable waste would be sent to plastic waste management units at the block level and further forwarded to cement plants for co-processing. The department has already signed formal agreements with cement plants to process this waste in an environmentally safe manner.

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Deputy Chief Minister mourns demise of senior congress leader

SHIMLA, 22.05.25-Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri has expressed grief over the demise of a senior congress leader Sunder Singh Jaswal (83), who passed away at his native village Sayari, in Solan district today morning.

He said that Sh. Jaswal was a dedicated social worker who believed in the Service to the poor. He remained vice-chairman of the Khadi Board, Member of Zila Parishad and Pradhan of Sayari Panchayat and worked sincerely for the welfare of the people.

Sh. Agnihotri conveyed his condolences with the grieved family members and wished for the peace of the departed soul.

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Deputy Chief Minister congratulates NCC cadet Kritika Sharma for scaling Mount Everest at age of 17.

SHIMLA,22.05.25-Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri congratulated Kritika Sharma, a National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadet who has brought laurels to the State by successfully scaling Mount Everest, the world's highest peak just at the age of seventeen.

Hailing from Shree Renukaji assembly constituency of district Sirmaur Kritika not only hoisted the tricolour but also the flag of NCC and her college on the peak.

Sh. Agnihotri stated that this achievement was a matter of immense pride not only for India but the entire State as well. Terming her as a symbol of hard work and her indomitable courage, this achievement of Kritika will continue to inspire generations to come, he said, adding that the state government would always encourage young talent for the feat they embark upon.

The Deputy Chief Minister wished Kritika Sharma and her entire team for this extraordinary success. He said Kritika has proved when the goal stands clear then nothing is unattainable. This is a living proof of the strength and potential of the daughters of Himachal, he remarked.

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CM extends salutations to young Everester, Kritika

SHIMLA,22.05.25-Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu extended his felicitations to the youngest Everester, Kritika Sharma hailing from Sirmaur district for conquering the World's highest peak just at the age of 17 thus bringing laurels to the State and the country.

A National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadet, Kritika showed her prowess and her strong will power to scale Mount Everest, he said, adding further that her feat has set an example for the other youngsters of the State and she has become a source of inspiration for those interested in adventure sports.

Kritika has proved that 'where there is a will, there is a way' and nothing is invincible if one commits to surpass the hurdles.

The Chief Minister wished the best to Kritika Sharma and her entire team for this extraordinary success and such future endeavours.

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CM urges to release funds for tourism projects awaiting approval

· Met Union Tourism Minister at New Delhi

SHIMLA, 22.05.25- Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu called on Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat at New Delhi today. He held detailed discussions relating to various tourism projects of the State and funds awaiting approval in the Ministry.

Chief Minister apprised the Union Minister that State Government is promoting Water Tourism in the state to attract adventure tourism. He requested for speedy approval for Auhar project and added that state government envisages to develop it as major water sports destination. He added that projects for Dehra and Pong dam were also awaiting approval.

He urged to accord approval to projects under 'Swadesh Darshan Scheme' besides considering approval for projects proposed under Special Scheme to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme for developing iconic tourist centres.

He also requested for exploring possibilities for investment in Himachal Pradesh for strengthening tourism sector.

Principal Advisor to CM, Ram Subhag Singh, Secretary Tourism, Devesh Kumar, Secretary to Chief Minister Rakesh Kanwar and senior officers of the State Government were also present on the occasion.

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CM advocates for appointing 'Permanent Member' from Himachal in BBMB Board

SHIMLA, 22.05.25-Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu called on Union Minister for Power, Manohar Lal Khattar, in New Delhi today and raised several key issues concerning the interests of Himachal Pradesh.

The Chief Minister strongly advocated for the release of arrears due from Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) and stressed the need for appointing a permanent member from Himachal Pradesh to the BBMB board.

He urged for an increase in the State’s free power share in hydro power projects operated by Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs), particularly those, where the cost has already been recovered. He said that while the State is significantly contributing to development of the Nation, therefore its rightful dues must also be safeguarded. He said that since the PSU's and CPSU's have tremendously grown through hydel power generation but Himachal Pradesh had not got its legitimate due.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister also discussed the long-pending demand of handing over the Baira Siul project to the State, which was constructed in 1980-81. Chief Minister thanked the Union Minister for giving in-principle approval to the handover of Luhri, Sunni and Dhaula Sidh projects of SJVNL, as well as the Duggar project of NHPC to the State. He said that cost assessment of these projects was currently underway.

He also demanded the release of central funds for the development of the Jathia Devi Township and held discussions on various ongoing projects under the Urban Development Department.

Manohar Lal Khattar assured the Chief Minister of all possible assistance from the Centre.

Principal Advisor to CM Ram Subhag Singh, Principal Secretary (Finance) Devesh Kumar, Secretary to CM Rakesh Kanwar and Resident Commissioner Meera Mohanty accompanied the Chief Minister on the occasion.