He stated that the state government is committed to realizing its vision of making Himachal a “Natural and Green State” and has made rapid progress in this direction.
File Photo: IANS
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the state deserves a green bonus in recognition of its vital ecological services to the nation.
He stated that the state government is committed to realizing its vision of making Himachal a “Natural and Green State” and has made rapid progress in this direction.
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“The word ‘Natural’ not only reflects the scenic beauty of our state but also defines our government’s approach towards sustainable development,” he said, adding that whether it is agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, forestry, industry, or transport, the government’s constant effort is to ensure that all development remains aligned with environmental protection.
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Sukhu said that the government has taken effective steps to develop Himachal as a Green Energy State by March 31, 2026. “If the state uses nearly 90 percent renewable or green energy sources for its total energy consumption of about 14,000 million units, we can truly call ourselves a Green State.”
He said this transition would directly boost both industrial and agricultural productivity.
Highlighting efforts to curb emissions, the Chief Minister said that the government is promoting clean and green transport by gradually converting the Himachal Road Transport Corporation’s (HRTC) fleet to electric vehicles.
“Greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector, which were around 16–20 percent, have been considerably reduced,” he said.
The HRTC has floated tenders for 297 electric buses costing Rs 412 crore, while charging stations worth Rs 124 crore are being set up at major depots. In addition, 500 more e-buses will be purchased during 2025–26.
These measures, he added, will help conserve natural resources and minimize air pollution.
Under the Rajiv Gandhi Swarojgar Start-up Yojana, the government is providing a 50 percent subsidy for the purchase of e-taxis, offering gainful employment to unemployed youth.
So far, around 50 e-taxis have been attached to various government departments, and Rs 4.22 crore has been disbursed to 59 eligible beneficiaries. Subsidies for 61 more applicants will be released soon. “This initiative not only ensures sustainable livelihoods but also guarantees assured income for five years, with an option for a two-year extension,” said Sukhu.
He further said that six green corridors are being developed across the state and 41 new charging stations will soon be set up along these routes.
The government has granted 100 percent exemption from road tax and 50 percent exemption from special road tax on e-commercial vehicles. Petrol and diesel auto-rickshaws are being replaced with e-rickshaws, and new permits are being issued for 1,000 private bus routes, with up to 40 percent subsidy for e-buses and tempo travellers on select routes.
Calling Himachal Pradesh the “lungs of North India,” the Chief Minister said the state provides essential ecological services to the nation in the form of clean air, water, soil conservation, and a favourable climate.
“Despite our vital role in maintaining ecological balance, there has been no compensation for our opportunity cost. The state has strongly advocated for a green bonus before the Centre and the 16th Finance Commission,” he said.
Sukhu announced that the government will initiate a technical and scientific assessment of Himachal Pradesh’s ecological contribution to the nation’s environment, which, according to preliminary estimates, could fetch the state around Rs 90,000 crore annually, if approved.
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