SHIMLA- 17^th August, 2025

CM reviews rainfall situation in Mandi, Kullu & Kinnaur

• Directs swift relief and safety measures for affected families

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has reviewed the situation arising out of incessant rainfall in Mandi, Kullu and Kinnaur districts. He personally spoke to the Deputy Commissioners of the affected districts and sought detailed reports on the extent of damage and directed them to send comprehensive reports to the state government.

The Chief Minister instructed the district administrations to extend all possible assistance to the affected families and to ensure swift and effective relief measures. He further directed that restoration of blocked roads be expedited and to intensify the relief operations. Appealing to the public to stay away from rivers and streams, the Chief Minister urged people to strictly follow the advisories issued by the district administrations from time to time.

He said that the safety of every citizen is the top priority of the State Government and assured that the Government stands firmly with the people in this difficult time.

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Himachal leads way in eco-tourism and forest conservation

• Building a self-reliant future through biodiversity and sustainable tourism

The Government of Himachal Pradesh has started a big plan to promote eco-tourism in the state. A new eco-tourism policy has been launched to develop 77 eco-tourism sites in different forest circles across the state. This is expected to bring in Rs. 200 crore in revenue in the next five years. The goal is to attract tourists in a way that protects nature, creates local jobs, and helps the economy grow in a clean and sustainable manner.

With its snow-covered mountains, thick forests, clean rivers, and rich wildlife, Himachal Pradesh has always been a favourite destination for nature lovers. The new eco-tourism policy aims to use this natural beauty responsibly. Eco-tourism involves travelling to natural places without harming the environment. The Eco-Tourism Policy 2024 of Himachal Pradesh has been specially crafted to ensure the safety of both tourism and nature.

Under this policy, 77 eco-tourism sites are being developed in different parts of the state including Shimla, Kullu, Mandi, Bilaspur, Rampur, Solan, Nahan, Hamirpur, Nalagarh, Dharamshala, Palampur, Chamba, Dalhousie, Nurpur, and Rekong Peo. Eco-tourism operators have already been selected for seven popular sites: Potter Hill and Shoghi in Shimla, Solang Nallah in Kullu, and Kasol in Parvati Valley. The remaining sites are being developed in phases. Visitors will be able to enjoy eco-friendly activities like trekking, bird watching, forest camping, jungle walks, homestays and nature interpretation trails.

Himachal Pradesh is also making significant strides in protecting and enriching its rich biodiversity, aiming to increase forest cover to 30 percent by 2030. Under the Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojna, mahila mandals, yuvak mandals, self-help groups and joint forest committees are planting and maintaining saplings on 1 to 5 hectares of forest land for five years, supported by a budget of Rs. 100 crore. This year, 1,000 to 1,500 hectares of forest land are being planted at a cost of Rs. 20 crore, with an additional Rs. 1.2 lakh per hectare allocated for sapling maintenance. These efforts not only strengthen the rural economy but also enhance eco-tourism by creating greener, well-maintained forest areas that attract nature lovers and promote sustainable tourism in the state.

An important part of the eco-tourism push is involving local people. Eco-tourism committees have been formed in each forest circle to oversee these projects. Local youth are being trained as nature guides and workers. So far, more than 70 guides and 135 Multi-Purpose Workers (MPWs) have been trained by HPECOSOC (Himachal Pradesh Eco-Tourism Society), providing employment while encouraging environmental stewardship.

To make travel and bookings easier for tourists, eco-tourism services are now available online. Over 100 forest rest houses and camping sites can be booked through the HPECOSOC website. A trekking management system has also been introduced, with more than 245 trekking routes marked and listed by difficulty levels. A mobile app is being developed to further guide tourists.

The government has ensured that this policy aligns with national rules under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) and the amended Forest Conservation Act (Van Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan Adhiniyam, 2023). Eco-tourism chapters in the working plans of forest divisions like Shimla, Palampur, Kullu, Seraj, and Mandi have already been approved.

These efforts are already showing results. In 2024, over two lakh tourists visited Himachal Pradesh, including 82,000 foreign visitors, a rise of 13.24 percent compared to the previous year. Tourism contributes 7.78 percent to the state’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), and this new policy is expected to further strengthen the state’s economy.

In just two and a half years, the present government has built a strong foundation for eco-tourism. By protecting the environment, enriching biodiversity, and supporting the local economy, Himachal Pradesh is setting a remarkable example of how tourism and nature can go hand in hand. This eco-tourism initiative is a big step toward a greener, cleaner, and more self-reliant future for the state.

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CM congratulates Satish Kumar for Vir Chakra Award

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has congratulated Naib Subedar, IV Dogra Regiment, Satish Kumar, a native of Samohali village, Gram Panchayat Buhala Bhadiyara of Jogindernagar Sub-Division in Mandi district, on being awarded the Vir Chakra for his prowess during 'Operation Sindoor'.

Chief Minister said that Satish Kumar played a pivotal role during the 'Operation Sindoor' in giving befitting reply to Pakistan army and his bravery has made the whole the State proud. He said Himachal Pradesh is known as ‘Veerbhoomi’ as army personnel from the State has won various gallantry awards for their bravery in various Operations.

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Education Minister presides over 5th sports, cultural and educational event ‘Prarambh’ 2025

· Urges youth to uphold values and stay connected to pahari heritage

Education Minister Rohit Thakur today presided over the 5th Sports, Cultural and Educational Event ‘Prarambh’ 2025’, organized by the charitable society Creative Foundation. He lauded the Foundation for its consistent efforts in promoting sports, cultural and educational activities among the youth, while simultaneously supporting underprivileged sections of society.

On this occasion, the Education Minister urged people to stay away from drug addiction, uphold their moral values and remain deeply connected to their rich Pahari heritage and roots. He said that we should take pride in being Pahari and strive to preserve our true identity and cultural roots for future generations.

Sh. Thakur said that events like ‘Prarambh’ not only provide a platform for students to showcase their talent in sports, cultural and intellectual pursuits but also foster discipline, teamwork and confidence. He appreciated the Foundation’s commitment to free participation for government school students, offering scholarships to deserving aspirants and spreading awareness about the Nasha Mukti Abhiyan among youth.

The Education Minister also praised Creative Foundation’s broader charitable activities, including blood donation drives and organizing a langar at the cancer hospital, which reflect their dedication to the welfare of the needy and socially marginalized communities. He expressed hope that such initiatives would continue to grow and inspire youth across the state. He said that there was a need to encourage holistic development alongside academic education to prepare the youth for future challenges.

The Minister congratulated all participants for their enthusiasm, energy and exemplary performances in the sports events like Kabaddi, Volleyball, Badminton, Arm Wrestling and E-sports, as well as in cultural and educational competitions.

Founder of Creative Foundation Hitesh Singh Chauhan presented the vote of thanks and detailed the activities being organized by the foundation.

Councillor Ankush verma Education Minister’s Media OSD Gulshan Diwan, Secretary of Himachal Pradesh Youth Congress Tushar Stan, Sunbeam School Chairman Rajat Chauhan, members of the Foundation, teachers, students, local community representatives and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

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Industries Department launches state-wide special campaign to curb illegal mining: Dr. Yunus

• Registers 895 of illegal mining cases, Rs. 44.31 lakh fine imposed

Director Industries Dr. Yunus today here said that illegal mining in the state was not only harming the environment but also posing a serious challenge to law and order. It was also contributing to illegal trade, tax evasion and unequal distribution of resources, weakening development plans and putting additional pressure on governance.

He said that the Industries Department has registered 895 cases of illegal mining and imposed fines totaling Rs. 44.31 lakh from April to July 2025. As part of ongoing enforcement, a state-wide special campaign was launched on 1st August, 2025 to strengthen control over illegal mining and boost public confidence in mineral conservation.

He said that all field staff have been instructed to maintain continuous vigilance and coordinate with other departments. So far, 122 cases of illegal mining have been detected and 46 of these cases have been fined Rs. 3,55,000 under the Mining Act, while 76 cases were slated for further legal action. He said that confirmed illegal mining sites have been immediately shut down to prevent recurrence.

Dr. Yunus said that mineral conservation was both an administrative and social responsibility. The department’s complaint cell has received 267 grievances through landline, mobile, WhatsApp and email, with maximum complaints being received from Kangra, Solan, Bilaspur, Una and Mandi.

He further said that the state government had issued strict directions against any illegal mining activity and illegal exploitation of mineral resources would not be tolerated . All violators would face strict action including fines, machinery seizure or legal prosecution. He appealed to the public to actively participate in the campaign and report any suspicious mining activities. He said that a single complaint can help protect the natural heritage of Himachal Pradesh.”

He said that complaints can be lodged through WhatsApp at 08988500249, via landline at 0177-2990575, or by email at geologicalwing@gmail.com. He urged citizens to join hands with the department to safeguard Himachal’s precious land.