Government promotes sustainable development with Green Himachal vision: Rajesh Dharmani

Shimla Mar 29

· Chairs north zone conference on sustainable urban development in hilly areas

Town & Country Planning, Housing Minister Rajesh Dharmani, while presiding over the North Zone Conference organised by the Institute of Town Planners India (ITPI) on the theme “Planning Strategies for Planned Development of Hilly Areas”, stated that the state government was working towards achieving sustainable development goals in the state.

He said that Himachal Pradesh was renowned for its lush green cover and the government was promoting sustainable development under the Green Himachal Vision. Over time the landscape of towns and cities in the state has transformed. Given its distinct geographical characteristics, Himachal Pradesh differs significantly from other states in the country. The state was also highly vulnerable to natural disasters and there was a need of well-planned approach to urbanization.

Sh. Dharmani said that the present state government was actively promoting eco-tourism to enhance sustainable tourism in the state, which would generate local employment and self-employment opportunities. To facilitate this, the government has established an Eco-Tourism Society to oversee the management of eco-tourism sites. Through these initiatives, the government aims to generate additional revenue of approximately Rs. 200 crore over the next five years. He said that technocrats and planners were the architects of the nation and the state government was also working to promote such talent in the state.

He said that to achieve the goal of making Himachal Pradesh a Green Energy State the government was expanding the use of electric vehicles and also exploring avenues for air travel and ropeway connectivity. The state government was undertaking the expansion of Gaggal Airport in Kangra and to alleviate traffic congestion in Shimla and reduce the carbon footprint an urban transport project featuring a 14.79-kilometre-long ropeway system, worth Rs. 1,546 crore would be implemented.

Rajesh Dharmani also unveiled various ITPI publications, including the book “Making Hilly Areas Great Places to Live”, authored by Jeet Kumar Gupta on the occasion.

Director of Town and Country Planning Kamal Kant Saroch said that the invaluable insights gained from this conference would significantly contribute to achieving sustainable development goals.

ITPI President N.K. Patil emphasized the importance of planned development in urban and semi-urban areas and highlighted the crucial role of GIS and drone technology in this sector.

ITPI Secretary-General V.P. Kulshrestha welcomed the Chief Guest and other dignitaries and extended his gratitude by honouring them.

President of the Himachal Pradesh Regional Chapter of ITPI General Pradeep Thakur proposed the vote of thanks.