Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said , “Unprecedented cloudbursts and shrinking glaciers in Himachal Pradesh signal warning of climate change and demand urgent remedial measures.
Releasing a report on ‘Scientific Assessment of Tackling Non-CO2 Emissions: Pathways’ for Himachal Pradesh at Shimla on Tuesday , he said , “ The climate change has posed serious challenges, resulting in unprecedented cloudbursts, flash floods, landslides and shrinking glaciers in the state.”
He said, “ Himachal Pradesh is not merely a geographical entity but the soul of the Himalayas; its glaciers, rivers, forests and mountains define its identity and sustain millions beyond its borders and any disturbance to the Himalayas would have worst consequences not only for the State but for the entire nation” , he stated .
The CM said, “The state government is committed to make Himachal Pradesh as the first Green Energy state in the country and has initiated various steps in this direction.”
The state government also signed two Memorandums of Agreement (MoAs) with Dabur India Limited and Karan Singh Vaid of Solan, to promote the cultivation and conservation of medicinal plants in the state.
Under the MoA, Dabur India Limited will provide 12 lakh quality saplings annually (one lakh per species) and a total of 1.20 crore saplings over ten years (10 lakh per species) to farmers across the State, in accordance with its ecological suitability.
For low and mid-hill regions, species such as Amla, Harad, Bahera, Kakadshingi and Lodhra will be distributed in Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, Sirmaur districts and lower Shimla.
For mid to high-hill areas, species including Jatamansi, Kutaki, Sugandhbala (herbs), Padam Kasht (tree) and Pushkarmool (herb) will be distributed in Kullu, Chamba, Mandi, upper Shimla and Kinnaur districts. Alpine species such as Atich and Vish (herbs) will be made available to farmers in the higher reaches of Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti and Chamba districts.
The second MoA, signed with M/s Karan Singh Vaidh, Solan, for a period of five years, envisages promoting cultivation, conservation and value-chain development of selected medicinal plants in Solan district.
Under this agreement, six priority species, Turmeric (Curcuma longa), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Chirayita (Swertia chirayita) and Himalayan Gentian (Gentiana kurroo), will be cultivated, targeting nearby panchayats. In the initial phase, at least 225 women farmers will be covered over more than 108 bighas of land.
