Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu urged the Union Ministry of Railways to seek the feasibility of running the Kalka-Shimla UNESCO World Heritage train on green hydrogen. He, in a letter to Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, cited the reason as the historic rail line needed to shift to green energy.
“The state government is striving to accomplish the target of transforming Himachal Pradesh into a green energy state by March 31, 2026,” Sukhu said. The government has promulgated a set of proposals with the aim of meeting this ambitious goal. He presented a six-pronged strategy that would convert the state into a certified Green Energy State. Propelling India’s climate commitments and falling in line with the Nationally Determined Contributions.
He said the state would replace its present thermal consumption of 1,500 million units. With renewable energy resources like hydro, solar, and wind. Presently, Himachal Pradesh consumes 1,3500 MUs of power, out of which a substantial component is already coming from renewable sources. By achieving 90 percent renewable in its power distribution network, it would be certifying itself as a fully Green State. The government expects to complete this transition within a year. Allowing local industries to apply for an ‘Eco Mark’ during that period, thereby adding value to the market.
Sukhu said that most of the spotlight is on solar power generation alone, “with a target of setting up an additional capacity of 2,000 MW in the next four to five years.” As such, solar power generation in the state has doubled over the last two years. Thus fulfilling the commitment of this government towards clean energy.
The government has also launched the ‘Green Panchayat’ scheme. Under this decentralized renewable energy program, they are installing 500 KW grid-connected solar power plants at the Panchayat level. The communities will utilize the revenue generated from the sale of this energy for eco-friendly projects.
The state is also making strides in producing green hydrogen. The first facility, developed in collaboration with Oil India Limited, is underway. And discussions with private investors for more facilities are going on. The state also intends to operate 1,500 electric buses within the next two to three years by replacing its fleet with electric models.
Sukhu tempered the euphoria, saying that the government was committed to eco-friendly industries. The government is adopting strict SOPs for screening proposals regarding the establishment of new industries or their expansions.
In the process, the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh has also emerged to manifest a bright vision for a greener Himachal Pradesh. And thus shows a strong commitment to people’s sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
ANI
