Himachal Pradesh CM Pushes for ‘Green Bonus’ and Special Financial Pattern for Hilly States in Meeting with NITI Aayog

Himachal Pradesh CM Pushes for ‘Green Bonus’ and Special Financial Pattern for Hilly States in Meeting with NITI Aayog

In a pivotal meeting with the Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog, Suman Bery, and other key members, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu passionately advocated for special financial provisions to support hilly states like Himachal, given their unique challenges and contributions to environmental conservation. During the discussions held in New Delhi, the Chief Minister pressed upon the need for a “different deal” for hilly states, underscoring that their needs differ significantly from those of the plains and more developed regions of the country.

Chief Minister Sukhu specifically called for the allocation of a ‘Green Bonus’ to Himachal Pradesh, recognizing the state’s critical role in maintaining forest cover and protecting natural resources, which serve as the “lungs” of northern India. He emphasized that Himachal’s forests are essential not only for the state but for the entire northern region, acting as a vital environmental buffer. The state, he argued, deserved compensation for its efforts in conserving these invaluable resources and reducing carbon emissions.

The Chief Minister outlined the vision for a “Green Himachal,” reiterating that the state’s efforts towards environmental sustainability and conservation require greater financial backing from the central government. Himachal Pradesh, with its rich biodiversity and vast forested areas, plays a crucial role in India’s ecological balance. The CM urged NITI Aayog to take into account the state’s significant contribution to environmental protection when considering funding allocations.

Another pressing issue raised by the Chief Minister was the need for the state to receive its fair share of royalty from hydroelectric power projects run by Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs). With a large number of hydropower projects operating in Himachal Pradesh, the state is a significant contributor to India’s energy grid, yet it has often struggled to receive adequate financial returns from these ventures. Sukhu urged NITI Aayog to consider this matter seriously and advocate for a just royalty distribution to ensure that the state can continue to invest in its infrastructure and development initiatives.

Further, Chief Minister Sukhu highlighted the need for improved air and rail connectivity to and within Himachal Pradesh, noting that better infrastructure is key to unlocking the state’s full economic and tourism potential. Given its challenging terrain, the state’s development has long been hampered by a lack of robust transportation networks, which also affects emergency responses during natural disasters. Enhanced connectivity would not only promote tourism but also provide crucial logistical support in times of calamities, such as landslides and floods, which frequently affect the region.

The Chief Minister also brought attention to the growing challenges the state is facing, particularly in terms of natural calamities, which have become more frequent and intense due to climate change. Additionally, he raised concerns about the rising cases of cancer in Himachal Pradesh, calling for a detailed study to identify the root causes and implement actionable solutions. He urged the NITI Aayog to facilitate research in these areas and assist the state government in developing effective mitigation strategies.

In response, the Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog, Suman Bery, assured the Chief Minister that the state’s concerns would be given due consideration. He confirmed that a panel of experts would be convened to study the unique needs of Himachal Pradesh and evaluate the proposals for a ‘Green Bonus’ and revised financial policies. Bery acknowledged the state’s critical role in environmental conservation and promised that the Aayog would work closely with the central government and funding agencies to address the issues raised by Chief Minister Sukhu.

Also present at the meeting were Sunder Singh Thakur, CPS to the Chief Minister, Principal Advisor to the CM Ram Subhag Singh, and other senior officers from the state government. The detailed discussions and mutual assurances during this high-level engagement indicate a strong commitment to addressing Himachal Pradesh’s unique challenges and advancing its development in a sustainable and equitable manner.

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