News in Brief :
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Environmental Protection: The Himachal government will distribute 6 lakh steel bottles in schools to combat plastic pollution.
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Clean Himachal: Ban on 500ml plastic bottles, PET bottles removed from government events and hotels.
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Digital Innovation: ‘Plastic Challenging App’ enables paperless challans, strict enforcement of environmental laws.
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Green Energy Goal: Himachal aims to become an entirely green energy state by March 31, 2026.
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Community Awareness: ‘Clean City-Prosperous City’ campaign reaches 2.5 lakh households with hygiene messages.
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Balanced Development: CM Sukhu emphasizes harmony between progress and environmental conservation.
Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh government has taken a significant step towards environmental preservation. Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced the distribution of 6 lakh stainless steel bottles to school children to reduce plastic bottle usage and control pollution, aligning with the mission to make Himachal a clean and green state.
To eradicate plastic pollution at its roots, the government has imposed a complete ban on 500 ml plastic bottles. The use of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) bottles has been prohibited in government events, hotels, and the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation, propelling the state towards becoming plastic-free.
The ‘Plastic Challenging Mobile App’ introduces a digital approach to enforce environmental regulations, allowing officials from 13 departments to issue challans via mobile devices, eliminating paper-based processes. Additionally, the government promotes solar energy, green transport corridors, and electric vehicles to achieve the goal of making Himachal a green energy state by March 31, 2026.
The ‘Clean City-Prosperous City’ campaign reached 2.5 lakh households, engaging 962 self-help groups, 14 NGOs, and 85 schools. The initiative included ward-level solution camps and promoted nine digital citizen services to enhance urban facilities.
CM Sukhu stated, “We must balance development with environmental conservation. With youth and community participation in forest protection and cleanliness, Himachal is moving towards a green and prosperous future.” This effort will not only safeguard the environment but also build a cleaner Himachal for future generations.
