Himachal CM Calls For Greater Fund Allocation; Highlights State’s Green And Tourism Goals

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday called for special consideration for hill states in central funding mechanisms, urging the Union government to relax eligibility criteria under central schemes.

Speaking at the 10th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sukhu further demanded the immediate release of long-pending dues owed to the state.

“If the Centre releases the funds owed to us in a timely manner, Himachal Pradesh can achieve self-reliance,” he asserted.

Vision For Tourism-Driven Economic Growth

The Chief Minister laid out a comprehensive plan to transform Himachal Pradesh into one of India’s top tourist destinations.

He outlined a ‘compact tourism package’ designed to integrate various tourism sectors, including religious, eco, water, nature, and health tourism.

“Our aim is to attract tourists from across India and around the world,” Sukhu said.

He added that the ongoing expansion of Kangra Airport would allow for the landing of larger aircraft, boosting regional connectivity and significantly increasing tourist footfall.

Push For Fair Royalties From Hydropower Projects

Sukhu also raised concerns about Himachal’s rights in hydropower projects, specifically regarding royalty payments and project control.

He further called for the transfer of PSUs and CPSUs-operated projects to the state once they have completed 40 years of operation.

Also Read: Delhi CM Unveils Plans For New Tourist Circuit Aligned With Modi’s Development Vision

The Chief Minister further detailed the state’s energy policy, which mandates 12% royalty for the first 12 years, 18% for the next 18, and 30% for the final 10 years of a project’s lifecycle.

“Private companies are already adhering to this policy. It’s time central PSUs follow suit,” he urged.

Advocating For A Green Bonus And Clean Energy Future

Highlighting Himachal’s pivotal role in preserving the ecological balance of northern India, Sukhu described the state as the ‘lungs of the North’.

He argued for a Green Bonus, recognising the state’s efforts to protect forest cover and promote environmental sustainability.

He also outlined the state’s ambitious green energy targets, reiterating the goal to make Himachal Pradesh a Green Energy State by 31 March 2026.

“We will become a pioneering state in green hydrogen production,” Sukhu stated, adding that the government is developing a one-megawatt green hydrogen plant in the Solan district in collaboration with Oil India Limited.