SHIMLA -6^th October, 2025

CM extends greetings to Indian Diaspora in Canada, Invites them to visit and invest in State

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu conveyed his heartfelt greetings through a special video message for the grand celebration of Kullu Dussehra, held at the historic Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Canada. The event was hosted by Member of Parliament Marie-France Lalonde and organized by the Himachali Pravasi Global Association (HPGA).

In his message, the Chief Minister said, “On this occasion, the vibrant colors of Himachal’s rich culture will be on full display, offering a sense of home even while living abroad. All Himachali's residing overseas are the true brand ambassadors of our state. I warmly invite everyone in Canada to visit Himachal Pradesh and explore opportunities for investment here.”

The celebration showcased the diverse cultural heritage of Himachal Pradesh, featuring the world-renowned Himachali folk dance ‘Naati’, a traditional Ram Leela performance and the serving of the authentic Himachali Dhaam to all the guests.

Over 35 regional community organizations participated in the event, reflecting the unity and cultural pride of the Himachali diaspora. On behalf of HPGA, Co-Founders Bhagya Chander, Arun Chauhan, and Vivek Nazzar expressed their gratitude to Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for his inspiring message and continuous support in promoting Himachali culture on the global stage.

On the occasion, Deputy High Commissioner of India to Canada, senior diplomats, community leaders and other distinguished dignitaries were also present.

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State records significant growth in forest cover: CM

It's a testament to effective governance and community participation

Himachal Pradesh has reaffirmed its role as one of India’s greenest and environmentally progressive states, registering a major increase in both forest and tree cover over the past two decades, stated Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. According to the bi-annual assessments by the Forest Survey of India (FSI), the state’s total forest cover has grown by 1,227.35 sq. km, rising from 14,353 sq. km in 2003 to 15,580.4 sq. km in 2023. This marks an increase from 25.73 to 28 percent of the state’s total geographical area, as of date.

Similarly, the tree cover of Himachal Pradesh has expanded by 364.07 sq. km, from 491 sq. km in 2003 to 855.07 sq. km in 2023, reflecting growth from 0.88% to 1.53% of the total geographical area.

The said that this consistent upward trend underscores the success of the Government of Himachal Pradesh’s sustained efforts in afforestation, ecological restoration, and participatory forestry management.

The state’s achievement stems from the effective implementation of large-scale plantation drives, adoption of community-based management schemes, and the active participation of local communities, self-help groups, and forest cooperatives in conservation activities, remarked the Chief Minister. Local participation with Mahila Mandals, Yuvak Mandals, Self Help Groups and other registered community-based organizations has contributed immensely towards the afforestation drives thereby leading to the increase in forest cover. Each organization is to be assigned up to five hectares of blank or degraded forest land and will receive up to Rs. 1.20 lakh per hectare or proportionate amount as per the land parcel. For areas smaller than one hectare, funds will be released proportionately. Additionally, a performance-based incentive of Rs. 1.20 lakh per hectare will be provided based on verified survival rate of planted saplings to the village participatory communities.

He said that the government’s emphasis on native species restoration, improved nursery practices, and watershed-based land management has further enhanced vegetation density and biodiversity across the state’s diverse ecological zones.

Innovative programs under Joint Forest Management (JFM) and new Participatory Forest Restoration Schemes have encouraged people’s ownership of forest resources, ensuring both livelihood benefits and ecological security.

These forests forms vital watersheds feeding the major northern river systems, sustain agricultural productivity, regulate local climates, and support diverse cultural and spiritual traditions linked to nature.

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu stated that Himachal Pradesh’s progress demonstrates how policy commitment, scientific forest management, and people’s participation can jointly deliver ecological resilience and economic benefits. The state’s evolving focus on climate-resilient ecosystems, integrated landscape management, and biodiversity conservation continues to align with India’s national commitments under the Paris agreement and the Green India Mission, he said.

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Rohit Thakur reviews progress of developmental works in Jubbal-Kotkhai constituency

Education Minister Rohit Thakur today here chaired a review meeting to assess the progress of development works being carried out by the Public Works Department in Jubbal-Kotkhai constituency.

He directed officers to ensure that all the new road constructions as well as the restoration of roads damaged during disasters must be executed by using the best available technology. The future infrastructure must be developed considering the challenges posed by extreme weather events like the heavy rains and cloudbursts witnessed in 2023 and this year. He said that even if such conditions recur, roads and other infrastructure should remain functional throughout the year.

He said that this year’s heavy rainfall caused damages worth Rs. 167 crore to the Public Works Department across 14 Rohru divisions and two National Highways. The damage included Rs. 53 crore in Jubbal division, Rs.50 crore in Kotkhai division, Rs. 24 crore in Rohru division, Rs. 35 crore on National Highway 705 and Rs. 5 crore on National Highway 707.

The Education Minister said that the disaster struck just as the apple season began, this year disrupting connectivity and posing challenges for fruit growers. However, the Public Works Department acted swiftly and restored road connectivity providing timely relief to the apple growers. He appreciated the dedication and commitment of the officers and employees during the disaster.

He said that all roads damaged during the disaster have been restored for small vehicles, while around 14 roads still remain closed for heavy vehicles which will be reopened on priority basis.

Rohit Thakur said that the department should explore alternatives like bailey bridges in areas prone to frequent landslides or where road construction faces persistent difficulties. He directed the officials to issue all tenders related to works under the Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) by 15 November 2025.

He also directed that immediate relief measures be undertaken in areas where houses, land, or property are at risk and said that such locations must be identified to ensure public safety.

The Education Minister also reviewed the progress of ongoing construction of educational, health and community buildings in the area and instructed to expedite their completion. He said that the State Government has made adequate budgetary provisions for strengthening road infrastructure and constructing various public buildings in the Kotkhai area.

He also discussed restoration works, projects under NABARD, PMGSY-III, World Bank-funded schemes and other development initiatives related to the Education Department.

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CS takes stock of winter preparedness and road restoration works

• Directs to accelerate repair and restoration of damaged roads

Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta today here chaired a review meeting to take stock of the status of road restoration works and preparedness measures in view of the approaching winter season.

During the meeting, it was informed that necessary instructions had been issued to the Regional Officer, NHAI, to ensure that the Kiratpur-Manali National Highway remains open for at least two lanes in all stretches. The RO, NHAI assured that the highway is operational with a minimum of two lanes even at locations that suffered damage during the recent monsoon.

The Chief Secretary said that all departments should complete the required arrangements well before the onset of the winter season. Proper planning for snow removal and other necessary measures must be done in advance to maintain smooth connectivity and ensure public comfort during the cold months.

He directed the concerned departments to accelerate the repair and restoration of roads damaged by the monsoon to facilitate unhindered traffic movement. He said that around 120 roads were affected by the recent rains and instructed that their restoration be taken up on priority so that most of them are reopened by the end of this month.

Secretary (PWD) Dr. Abhishek Jain apprised the Chief Secretary that the department is in the process of identifying suitable sites for muck disposal and is prioritizing the strengthening of existing roads rather than construction of new ones, keeping in view the need to protect the environment.

He further informed that the Public Works Department has collaborated with IIT Ropar for technical support which would enhance the department’s capacity and bring transparency and credibility in the working of department. He said that the department was focusing on developing climate-resilient infrastructure in light of the increasing challenges posed by climate change in the State.

Senior officers of the department were present in the meeting