Climate change serious issue, viable solutions needed: Himachal CM Sukhu

Himachal Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today said climate change has emerged as a serious global issue and if sustainable solutions are not worked out immediately, both the present and the future generations would have to face its severe consequences.

Releasing the ‘Himachal Pradesh Human Development Report-2025’ here today, he said this document reflects the state’s progress, resilience and the aspirations of its people. He said that Himachal Pradesh has always been proactive and sensitive advocating environment-friendly development and has adopted a sustainable development framework.

Stating that Himachal’s Human Development Index (HDI) at 0.78 was higher than national average of 0.63, the Chief Minister said the Human Development Report 2025 reflects the state’s progress, resilience and the aspirations of its people. “Despite the state’s harsh geographical conditions and weather challenges, the report presents an exemplary story of development, made possible by the strong willpower and hard work of the people,” he said.

Sukhu said the state has never exploited its forests, rivers or mountains irresponsibly but the effects of climate change are not confined to one place, it has far-reaching effects globally. During this year’s monsoon, Himachal has already suffered heavy losses due to climate change pattern, losing precious lives were land severe damage to public and private property due to heavy rainfall, cloudbursts, landslides and flood.

Sukhu said the mountains, rivers, forests and glaciers of the state are becoming victims of global warming due to which the state was grappling with problems like excessive rainfall, floods and landslides. “To meet these challenges, the world must act as one family and join hands to conserve the environment together, ensuring planned economic development. The future must be human-centric and climate-resilient for the safety of the coming generations,” he remarked.

The Chief Minister said that to reduce the impact of global warming, the state Government has launched Rs 680 crore Rajiv Gandhi Self-Employment Start-up Scheme where 50 per cent subsidy is being given for purchase of e-taxis. “Himachal Pradesh has become the first hill state to adopt a strong electric vehicle policy setting an example. The goal is to electrify public transport by 2030 to achieve green targets,” he stated.

UNDP Senior Economist Amy Mishra made a detailed presentation on the UNDP report. UNDP representative Dr Angela Lusigi commended Himachal’s initiatives like green budgeting, climate sensitive programmes, aimed at sustainable development and decentralized and participatory governance for building resilience.