SHIMLA-8 September, 2026

CM congratulates DCA for receiving award from PHARMEXCIL for regulatory excellence, industry facilitation and export promotion

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has congratulated the Drugs Control Administration (DCA), Himachal Pradesh for receiving an appreciation award from the Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (PHARMEXCIL), under the aegis of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, at IPHEX 2026. The award was presented in New Delhi yesterday to the state for ensuring regulatory excellence, industry facilitation and export promotion.

The Chief Minister said that the recognition reflects the State Government’s commitment to strengthening regulatory systems, promoting ease of doing business and creating a quality-driven and globally competitive pharmaceutical ecosystem in Himachal Pradesh. He further said that the government has adopted zero-tolerance towards those who compromise ethical standards in pharmaceutical businesses. He said that the award marks another significant milestone in Himachal Pradesh’s journey towards regulatory excellence and strengthens its position as a trusted pharmaceutical hub serving India and global markets.

Health Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil said the award is a proud moment for the state and acknowledged the dedicated efforts of the DCA in ensuring effective drug regulation while facilitating the growth of the pharmaceutical industry.

Secretary Health Ashish Singhmar described the recognition as a significant achievement for Himachal Pradesh and dedicated the honour to the officers and officials of the DCA for their collective commitment and professionalism.

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CM meets Union Power Minister

  • · Discusses key issues concerning Himachal Pradesh’s power sector

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu met Union Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs Manohar Lal in New Delhi on Tuesday and discussed several important pending issues concerning Himachal Pradesh’s power sector. He urged the Union Minister to facilitate their early resolution in the interest of the State.

The Chief Minister strongly raised the issue of providing Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) against Himachal Pradesh’s free power entitlement. He said the state should receive due benefits against its free power share and sought necessary clarification and an early resolution in the matter.

He also raised the issue of nominating two Independent Directors from Himachal Pradesh on the Board of Directors of Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN) and urged that the process be completed at the earliest, keeping the interests of the state in view.

The transfer of the Shanan Hydropower Project to Himachal Pradesh was another key issue discussed during the meeting. The Chief Minister said necessary action should be taken keeping in view Himachal Pradesh’s rights over the project and the interests of the State. The matter is presently sub judice.

The Chief Minister reiterated the state’s demand for providing one percent additional free power after commissioning as Local Area Development Fund (LADF) for Central Sector hydropower projects commissioned prior to the Hydropower Policy, 2008. He said the provision would accelerate development in project-affected areas and ensure direct benefits to local communities.

He said that as per the assessment of state government, the proposed arrangement is expected to provide Himachal Pradesh a gross annual benefit of approximately Rs. 29.34 crore, while the estimated annual burden on other beneficiary states would be around Rs. 96.57 crore. The estimated net annual benefit to Himachal Pradesh would be approximately Rs. 23.21 crore, while the tariff impact on other beneficiary states is expected to remain around 1.15 percent.

The Chief Minister also raised the issue of handing over the 180 MW Baira Siul Hydropower Project to Himachal Pradesh after completion of its 40-year period. He urged the Union Government to initiate the necessary process for transfer of the project in the interest of the state.
He further raised the issue of land acquired by the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) in Himachal Pradesh that is presently not being utilized.

The Chief Minister urged that such land be made available to the state government for public use, including construction of government offices and providing land for the rehabilitation and resettlement of people displaced by development projects.

Sh. Sukhu said the hydropower sector is a key pillar of Himachal Pradesh’s economy, energy security and local development. He emphasized that early resolution of pending matters concerning the state’s power interests is essential for the overall development of the state.

Union Power Minister Manohar Lal assured him of positive consideration of matters concerning Himachal Pradesh’s power interests. He also assured that necessary directions would be issued to the concerned officials and that all possible cooperation would be extended for the early resolution of the pending issues.

Chief Secretary Kamlesh Kumar Pant, Principal Advisor to the Chief Minister Ram Subhag Singh, Principal Secretary (Finance) Devesh Kumar and Secretary to the Chief Minister Rakesh Kanwar were also present in the meeting.

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CM meets Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav

  • Urges clear guidelines for scientific dredging in flood-affected river areas of Himachal Pradesh

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today met Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav in New Delhi and discussed various important issues related to scientific dredging in flood-affected river areas of Himachal Pradesh.

The Chief Minister said that excessive rainfall, floods and flash floods lead to the accumulation of large quantities of debris, boulders, stones and sand in river channels, adversely affecting their water-carrying capacity and increasing the risk of flooding to human settlements, roads, bridges, forests and other critical infrastructure. He said that the scientific and time-bound dredging in such vulnerable areas is essential from the perspective of disaster risk reduction.

He urged the Union Minister to issue clear and enabling guidelines based on the decisions and recommendations of the Forest Advisory Committee, so that proposals related to dredging could be processed and disposed of in a time-bound manner.

The Chief Minister also urged the Ministry to create a separate category for river dredging on the PARIVESH portal and keep such activities distinct from conventional mining activities. He said that the objective of removing debris from river channels after floods is to restore the water-carrying capacity of rivers, remove obstructions to river flow and protect human lives and public infrastructure.

The Chief Minister further requested exemption of river dredging projects from the requirement of compensatory afforestation. He said that such activities do not involve diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes and that scientific dredging is undertaken primarily to facilitate the smooth flow of rivers and reduce flood risks.

Sh. Sukhu said that the quantity of material deposited in rivers following floods is often substantial. Therefore, a clear mechanism is required for the safe, regulated and appropriate utilization and disposal of material extracted through dredging.

He said that the state government was committed to undertake dredging works strictly on the basis of scientific assessment, replenishment studies and detailed dredging plans. The quantity of material to be removed and the area to be covered would be determined on scientific parameters and the works would be carried out only during the non-monsoon period in accordance with all environmental norms and prescribed safety measures.

The Chief Minister said that wherever necessary, dredging would be incorporated as part of the relevant forest and river management plans. The net revenue generated through the regulated utilization and disposal of dredged material would be utilized for sustainable development and forest-related activities.

Union Minister Bhupender Yadav assured the Chief Minister that clear and enabling guidelines would be issued for scientific dredging in Himachal Pradesh to minimize losses caused by floods and other natural disasters. He said that while facilitating the necessary procedures, the practical requirements and interests of Himachal Pradesh would also be duly taken into consideration.

He further assured that the interests of Himachal Pradesh would be given due priority while considering matters related to dredging and that necessary support would be extended for effective river management and disaster risk reduction.

Chief Secretary Kamlesh Kumar Pant, Principal Advisor to the Chief Minister Ram Subhag Singh, Principal Secretary (Finance) Devesh Kumar, Principal Secretary (Forests) M. Sudha Devi and Secretary to the Chief Minister Rakesh Kanwar were present in the meeting.