SHIMLA — Himachal Pradesh is rapidly advancing its “Green Revolution” with an ambitious goal of becoming India’s first green energy state by 2026. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu emphasized the state’s commitment to balancing development with environmental protection, urging youth to actively participate in forest preservation efforts.
Key Green Initiatives
The government has launched several initiatives across multiple sectors to achieve its sustainability goals. These efforts include:
• Green Energy: The state is focusing on harnessing renewable energy sources. It has set a target of generating 1,995 MW of solar power by 2030. A survey is currently underway to identify sites for an additional 325 MW of solar projects, and seven projects with a combined capacity of 72 MW were allocated to companies in early 2025.
• Green Hydrogen: In a pioneering move, the state has laid the foundation stone for North India’s first green hydrogen plant in the Solan district. This project, a joint effort with Oil India Limited, will use renewable energy to produce hydrogen, a clean fuel that can significantly reduce the state’s carbon footprint.
• Forest Conservation: Acknowledging the vital role of forests, particularly after recent climate-related disasters, the Chief Minister announced the appointment of “Van Mitras” (friends of the forest). These new positions are intended to address the shortage of field staff and help village forest management societies monitor illegal activities.
• Sustainable Practices: Beyond energy and forests, the state is implementing initiatives in sustainable waste management, eco-tourism, and natural farming. It’s also developing green corridors and promoting the use of electric vehicles (EVs) to reduce carbon emissions.