Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. File Image | Photo credit: PTI
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday (February 24, 2026) said climate change poses serious problems resulting in unprecedented cloudbursts, flash floods, landslides and shrinking glaciers in the hill state.
Terming these developments as red flags and seeking urgent remedial measures, Mr. Sukhu said any disturbance in the Himalayas would have worst consequences not only for the state but for the entire nation.
Referring to the 2023 disaster during the monsoon season, he noted that more than 23,000 houses were destroyed in the state. He said that Himachal Pradesh is not just a geographical entity but the soul of the Himalayas. “The state’s glaciers, rivers, forests and mountains define its identity and sustain millions of people beyond its borders,” he said.
The Chief Minister was speaking while releasing a report titled ‘Scientific Assessment of Non-CO2 Emissions Solutions: Pathways for Himachal Pradesh’.
He said the state was fighting for its due contributions and added that the state government would not go ahead with upcoming projects like Kishau and Renuka dams unless the neighboring states gave concrete guarantees to clear the long pending arrears of the Bhakra Beas board.
Mr. Sukhu said the government was determined to make Himachal Pradesh the first green energy state in the country.
“Protection of the environment has been accorded top priority. The government has set a target of deploying 200 MW of solar energy during this year, with subsidies to encourage youth to set up solar projects. A one megawatt green hydrogen power plant is also being set up at Nalagarh in collaboration with Oil India Limited.
“Electric vehicles are being deployed across ministries and a 40% subsidy is being provided to convert 38,000 taxis to e-taxis,” he added.
On the occasion, two Memorandums of Agreement (MoA) were signed with M/s Dabur India Limited and M/s Karan Singh Vaidh, Solan, to promote cultivation and conservation of medicinal plants in the state.
Published – 25 Feb 2026 04:40 IST
