Unprecedented cloudbursts, shrinking glaciers signal climate change: CM

SHIMLA 24 Feb, 2026

Chief Minister releases report on Scientific Assessment of Tackling Non-CO2 Emissions
MoAs inked to promote cultivation of medicinal plants in the State

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today released the report titled ‘Scientific Assessment of Tackling Non-CO2 Emissions: Pathways for Himachal Pradesh’. On the occasion, two Memorandums of Agreement (MoAs) were signed in his presence with M/s Dabur India Limited and M/s Karan Singh Vaidh, 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.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister said that the present State Government was committed to making Himachal Pradesh the first Green Energy State in the country and has initiated various steps in this direction. He said environmental conservation has been accorded top priority and several initiatives have been undertaken to preserve the state’s pristine environment. He stated, “Three years ago, the government set a target to transform Himachal Pradesh into a Green Energy State and sustained efforts were being made to conserve natural resources. The government has set a target of harnessing 200 MW of solar power during the current year, with subsidies being provided to encourage youth to set up solar projects.”
A one-megawatt Green Hydrogen plant is also being established at Nalagarh in collaboration with Oil India Limited. In the coming years, Himachal Pradesh aims to emerge as a pioneer in green hydrogen production in the country, he added.
Sh. Sukhu said that the State Government was also promoting electric mobility. Around 300 new e-buses would be inducted into the fleet of HRTC by April this year. Electric vehicles are being deployed across government departments and a 40 percent subsidy is being provided to convert 38,000 taxis into e-taxis, he added.
The Chief Minister said climate change has posed serious challenges, resulting in unprecedented cloudbursts, flash floods, landslides and shrinking glaciers in the state. He termed these developments as warning signals that demand urgent remedial measures. Referring to the 2023 disaster, he noted that more than 23,000 houses were destroyed in the state.
He said that Himachal Pradesh was 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. Any disturbance to the Himalayas would have worst consequences not only for the State but for the entire nation, he added. He further said that today the state is fighting for its rightful dues. He asserted that the State Government will not proceed with upcoming projects such as the Kishau and Renuka dams unless the neighbouring states provide concrete assurances to settle the long-pending arrears of the Bhakra Beas Management Board. “There have been some positive signs on this issue,” he added.
MLAs Suresh Kumar and Harish Janartha, Secretary Environment, Science, Technology and Climate Change S.K. Singla, Dr. Durwood Zaelke, Ms. Martina Otto, Head of Secretariat, UNEP Climate and Clean Air Coalition, Ms. Zerin Osho, Director India Program, IGSD, DC Rana, Director and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.