SHIMLA 24 July, 2026

PUBLIC GRIEVANCES

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CM launches Thematic Garden Project for Durgesh Aranya International Zoo

Releases Rs. 4 crore for implementation

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu here yesterday evening launched an ambitious Thematic Garden Project to be established at Durgesh Aranya International Zoo, Dehra in Kangra district and released Rs. 4 crore for its implementation through the Himachal Pradesh State Biodiversity Board (HPSBB) to the Chief Wildlife Warden, Himachal Pradesh.

The Chief Minister said that the project reflects the State Government's commitment to conserve Himachal Pradesh's rich biodiversity while promoting environmental education, scientific research and sustainable eco-tourism. Spread over 22,247 square metres (about 5.5 acres), the thematic garden has been designed as a unique ecological destination that will provide visitors with an immersive experience of the State's diverse flora and natural heritage.

He said the project envisages a Ficarium showcasing various species of the genus Ficus and highlighting their ecological, cultural and conservation significance, an Arboretum featuring indigenous and exotic tree species to promote conservation, education and scientific learning along with a watch tower offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, and a Bamboosetum displaying diverse bamboo species of ecological and economic importance while demonstrating the sustainability and versatility of bamboo.

Sh. Sukhu said that biodiversity conservation forms the cornerstone of the State Government's vision for sustainable development. He said that the thematic garden would emerge as an important centre for conservation awareness, environmental interpretation, experiential learning and scientific research, besides creating new opportunities for nature-based tourism. The project, he said, would benefit students, researchers, tourists and nature enthusiasts by providing a platform to understand and appreciate the State's rich biological diversity.

The Chief Minister appreciated the efforts of the Himachal Pradesh State Biodiversity Board and the Forest Department in conceptualizing this landmark initiative. He expressed confidence that upon completion, the thematic garden would significantly enhance the visitor experience at Durgesh Aranya International Zoo and establish it as a model destination for biodiversity conservation and eco-tourism in the country.

The project will be executed by the Chief Wildlife Warden, Himachal Pradesh, with technical guidance and support from the Himachal Pradesh State Biodiversity Board.

Secretary, Environment, Science, Technology and Climate Change Sushil Kumar Singla, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Sanjay Sood, Director, Environment, Science, Technology and Climate Change-cum-Member Secretary, Himachal Pradesh State Biodiversity Board Pushpendra Rana, Joint Member Secretary Dr. Suresh C. Attri, senior officers of the Forest Department and Himachal Pradesh State Biodiversity Board were present on the occasion.

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CM expresses grief over death of 13 persons in road accident

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has expressed grief over the death of 13 persons in a road accident at Karunallah in Lahaul-Spiti district on Friday. The ill-fated vehicle was on its way from Kullu to Pangi.

The Chief Minister directed the Deputy Commissioner of Lahaul-Spiti to proceed immediately to the incident site and supervise the rescue and relief operations. He also asked to provide all possible assistance to the next of kin of the deceased and best of treatment to the injured. He wished speedy recovery to the injured.

Sh. Sukhu prayed to the Almighty to grant peace to the departed souls and strength to the bereaved family members to bear this irreparable loss.

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Tribal Development Minister expresses grief over the death of 13 people in a road accident

Tribal Development Minister Jagat Singh Negi has expressed deep grief over the death of 13 persons in a road accident that occurred today at Karoonala in the Lahaul and Spiti district.

In his condolence message, the Minister expressed his heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families and said that the loss of lives in this tragic accident is deeply saddening. He said that the Government stands firmly with the affected families during this difficult time. He also wished a speedy recovery to those injured in the accident.

The Minister prayed to the Almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed souls and give strength to the bereaved families to bear this irreparable loss.

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CM directs, Explore foreign language courses to facilitate overseas jobs

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed to explore the possibilities of introducing foreign language courses through the Himachal Pradesh Buildings and other Construction Workers Welfare Board. Chairing a high-level meeting, the Chief Minister said that the State Government was providing handholding support to the skilled youth to secure overseas jobs through the Himachal Pradesh State Electronics Development Corporation (HPSEDC). He said that to equip them with requisite language skills new foreign language courses would be introduced.

Sh. Sukhu said that the State Government was also developing a digital platform to ensure the safety and security of Himachali youth who have secured employment abroad. He said that the platform would go a long way in monitoring their well being and providing them with necessary support. He said that the State Government was also exploring the possibilities of additional overseas employment opportunities, aiming to provide them better salary packages and ensuring zero-exploitation of the candidates working abroad. He said that the State Government has succeeded in obtaining a license for HPSEDC as a Recruiting Agency.

He directed the Labour and Employment Department to upload all the details of its flagship programmes on the CM Dashboard for effective monitoring of these programmes. He also reviewed the progress of various schemes of the Tribal Development Department and instructed to upload the status of all the FRA cases on the CM Dashboard.

Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan, Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, Additional Chief Secretary Onkar Chand Sharma, Secretaries Priyanka Basu Ingty, Rakesh Kanwar and Ashish Singhmar, Commissioner, Labour and Employment Virender Sharma and other senior officers also attended the meeting.