Directs completion first phase by December, 2026

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed the forest department to expedite the ongoing construction work of Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park Bankhandi in Dehra Sub Division of Kangra district. He asked the department to complete the first phase of the project by December, 2026.

The Chief Minister reviewed the progress of the project here today at his official residence Oakover and said that the park would offer world class facilities to the tourists and would emerge as a major tourist attraction in Kangra district. The park will have three parking facilities, food court restaurants and other basic amenities for the visitors. Spread across 233 hectares, the park would feature lion and tiger safaris, in addition to enclosures of various animals, reptiles and bird species. He further directed to issue the tenders of hospital and administrative buildings, second parking, hospital OT and diagnostic building, quarantine area and commissary area, including toilet block and underground tanks, immediately.

Sh. Sukhu instructed the forest department to integrate eco tourism activities, planetarium and adventure activities such as rock climbing and boating etc. to make the project a self sustainable and enhance the tourist experiences. He also asked the officers to plant indigenous species to enhance the aesthetic and ecological appeal to attract the tourists. He said that Zoological Park is the first in the country to receive certification from Indian Green Building Council for its sustainable and eco friendly initiatives. He said that one MW solar power project would be set up in the park to meet the energy requirements.

The Chief Minister was also presented  with cheques of Rs. five lakh each towards Aapada Rahat Kosh and Mukhyamantri Sukh Asharay Yojna on behalf of Bio Conservation Society, Great Himalayan National Park Kullu, while Rs. 5.50 lakh each on behalf of Bio Conservation Society Khajjiyar by Additional Chief Secretary K.K. Pant.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden Amitabh Gautam and other senior officers also attended the meeting.

-0-

The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) team, led by Mr. Soumitra Dasgupta, presented a cheque of rupees three crore to Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for the conservation and management of the newly notified Tsarap Chu Conservation Reserve.

Expressing gratitude for the generous support, the Chief Minister said that the funds would catalyze early-stage conservation activities such as preparation of the Management Plan, constitution of the Conservation Reserve Management Committee, and capacity building of relevant stakeholders. He further added that this contribution would enhance community-led wildlife conservation initiatives and foster livelihood opportunities for local communities through eco-friendly activities.

Following the Chief Minister’s announcement during the Wildlife Week closing ceremony, Tsarap Chu was formally notified as India’s largest Conservation Reserve on May 7, 2025, covering an area of 1,585 square kilometers. The Reserve lies in a strategic trans-Himalayan region, bordering the Union Territory of Ladakh in the north and adjoining Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary in the east, Kabjima Nallah in the south and Chandertal Wildlife Sanctuary and Baralacha Pass in the west.

Tsarap Chu Conservation Reserve is located in one of the high-density habitats of the Snow Leopards in Himachal Pradesh and supports a rich variety of Himalayan and Trans-Himalayan flora and fauna, including species such as Tibetan Wolf, Kiang, Bharal, Ibex, Tibetan Argali, and avifauna like Rose Finches, Tibetan Ravens, and Yellow-billed Choughs. The Reserve, which forms the catchment of the Charap Nallah, will serve as a crucial wildlife corridor connecting Kibber and Chandertal Wildlife Sanctuaries.

The Chief Minister stated that this was a landmark step, as Tsarap Chu is now the largest Conservation Reserve in the country. He added that the Reserve was expected to promote eco-tourism, nature photography, camping, and wildlife research, significantly contributing to local livelihoods. The Tsarap Chu Conservation Reserve will be managed by a Conservation Reserve Management Committee, which will include representatives from local Panchayats to ensure inclusive and community-based management, aligning ecological goals with local needs.

The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), a coalition of 96 range and non-range countries, focuses on the conservation of seven big cat species including Tigers, Lions, Leopards and Snow Leopards and their habitats across the globe. The Alliance has expressed keen interest in strengthening and expanding the Protected Area Network in high-altitude regions like Himachal Pradesh.

Additional Chief Secretary K.K. Pant and Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife)-cum-Chief Wildlife Warden Amitabh Gautam were also present on the occasion.

-0-

Governor highlights role of ethics, innovation and youth in Nation building

 Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla, celebrated its 56^th Foundation Day today with great enthusiasm and academic fervour. Governor and Chancellor of the University Shiv Pratap Shukla graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and extended his warm greetings to the faculty, students, alumni and the staff.

Addressing the gathering, the Governor lauded the university’s rich legacy of over five decades and its consistent contributions to academic excellence and social progress. He said that a university was not merely a center for higher education but center for learning, innovation and character-building. Urging the academic community to remain focused on value-based learning, he stressed the importance of research and innovation matching global standards.

Expressing satisfaction over the institution’s growth, the Governor noted that the university, which began with only eight departments, has now expanded to include 52 departments and currently serves over 7,000 students and 1,100 research scholars.

The Governor appreciated the establishment of five new interdisciplinary research and innovation centers in the University. He called upon faculty and students to actively engage with the objectives of the National Education Policy to make higher education more inclusive, modern, and impactful.

Highlighting his ongoing campaign for a “Drug-Free Himachal,” he urged the youth to play a proactive role in spreading awareness and fostering a healthy, addiction-free society. He also expressed deep concern over the increasing frequency of natural disasters in the state and called for integrating environmental sustainability into all developmental frameworks.

The Governor said that this university  has produced prominent leaders in the fields of politics, science, law, literature, sports etc. and urged everyone to contribute towards building a developed India by the year 2047.

On the occasion, the Governor released the university’s student magazine Parisaamvaad, the university journal Himshikhar and a report on anti-drug activities. Cultural presentations included a folk song on drug abuse by Dr. Madan Jhalta and a performance by students Navneeta and Lakshya on the same theme.

Prof. Mahavir Singh, Vice Chancellor welcomed the Governor and spoke about the university’s vision of holistic development. He elaborated on the concept behind the newly established interdisciplinary centres which integrate diverse fields such as technology, law, management, social sciences and mathematics. He also emphasized the growing importance of artificial intelligence and innovation in the academic landscape.

Prof. Rajinder Verma, Pro Vice-Chancellor also welcomed the dignitaries and shared the university’s milestones.

A key highlight of the day was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Himachal Pradesh University and the National Institute of Disaster Management, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. The MoU was signed by the University Registrar and Colonel Manoram Yadav on behalf of NIDM.

A presentation was also made on the university’s newly established Centres of Excellence, viz: Centre for Green Energy and Nanotechnology, Himalayan Centre for Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience, Centre for Artificial Intelligence on Cyber Physical Systems, Ramanujan Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems and Indian Mathematics and Centre for Pahari Culture and Heritage.

Dr. Sumit Goel, Director, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Hospital, Delhi, also addressed the gathering and spoke on cancer eradication strategies.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Gyan Sagar Negi, Registrar of the University.

Rameshwar Thakur, Chairman, Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission and other prominent dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

-0-

Kashi declaration sets five-year roadmap for youth-led drug de-addiction movement

The Youth Spiritual Summit on the theme Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat culminated today at the Rudraksh International Convention Centre in Varanasi with the formal adoption of the Kashi Declaration. Organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. The Summit brought together more than 600 youth leaders, representatives from over 120 spiritual and socio-cultural organizations, academicians and domain experts. The event marked a defining moment in Bharat’s journey toward a drug-free society by 2047.

Echoing this spiritual ethos, Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla, reflected on the cultural sanctity of the venue: “This sacred land of Kashi is the cradle of Sanatan Chetna (eternal consciousness), where discipline and values guide life’s journey towards moksha. We are not just gathering; we are sowing seeds that will one day grow into a strong tree of national transformation.”

He further cautioned: “If a nation where 65 percent of the population is youth falls prey to addiction, only those who break free from it will be able to build the future.”

Shri Shukla also shared details of the “Nasha Mukt Himachal Abhiyan”, a state-level de-addiction awareness campaign spearheaded by the Raj Bhavan. He said that Panchayati Raj institutions, Mahila Mandals, Yuvak Mandals, educational institutions and civil society organizations have been mobilized to fight the rising threat of drug use among the youth in Himachal Pradesh.

Speaking at the Summit, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, emphasized, “We have reflected deeply over the last three days across diverse thematic sessions. Based on this collective chintan, the Kashi Declaration is born, not just as a document, but as a shared Sankalp for the Yuva Shakti of Bharat.”

The culminating session of the Summit was marked by the presence of several distinguished dignitaries. The keynote address was delivered by Nitin Agarwal, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Excise and Prohibition, Government of Uttar Pradesh. 

The Kashi Declaration, formally adopted today, affirms a national consensus to treat substance abuse as a multi-faceted public health and societal challenge and calls for a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach. It emphasizes the integration of spiritual, cultural, educational and technological efforts to prevent addiction, support recovery and foster a national culture of sobriety. It proposes institutional mechanisms for multi-ministerial coordination, including the formation of a Joint National Committee, annual progress reporting and a national platform for linking affected individuals to support services.

Several dignitaries, including Dr. Virendra Kumar (Social Justice and Empowerment), Gajendra Singh Shekhawat (Culture and Tourism), Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Anil Rajbhar, Minister of State, Home Affairs,  Nityanand Rai, Smt. Raksha Nikhil Khadse (Youth Affairs and Sports) and Girish Chandra Yadav (Sports Minister, Uttar Pradesh), participated in sessions for day one, contributing valuable insights. Raksha Khadse highlighted the misuse of digital platforms targeting school children and reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance policy under the Prime Minister’s leadership.

-0-

Delegation of Kamdhenu Hitkari Society call on CM

A delegation of milk producers associated with Kamdhenu Hitkari Society called on Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu here today and expressed their gratitude for enhancing freight subsidy from Rs. 1.50 per liter to Rs. 3 per liter for the registered milk societies. The delegation informed the Chief Minister that nearly 6000 families associated with the Kaamdhenu Hitkari Society will be benefitted from this enhancement.  They said that Himachal is the first state in the country to provide freight subsidy to the milk producers and they are grateful to the Chief Minister for this empathetic gesture and his approach to resolve the problems of the farmers.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that the State Government has undertaken many initiatives to strengthen the rural economy to provide more money in the hands of farmers. He said that Himachal is the first State to offer highest minimum support prices for milk. He said that cow milk is being procured at the rate of Rs. 51 per liter, whereas buffalo milk at the rate of Rs. 61 per liter from the cattle rearers. Besides this, the state government is also providing MSP for the naturally produced wheat, maize, barley and raw turmeric at the rate of Rs. 60, Rs. 40, Rs. 60 and Rs. 90  per kg respectively. He asked the farmers to avail these benefits to boost their household income and enhance their livelihoods.

 He assured the delegation that he will join a function being organized by Kaamdhenu Milk Society in the first week of September this year.

MLA Sanjay Awasthy also thanked the Chief Minister for such initiative and said that he understands the problems of farmers, daily wage workers and other underprivileged sections of the society and is  always committed to resolve these issues. He said that bolstering the rural economy remains the priority for the Chief Minister and welfare schemes are being executed in this direction, which are yielding positive outcomes.

000

Chamiyana to deliver healthcare services at par with AIIMS

The State Government will soon initiate the recruitment process for specialist robotic surgeons to launch robotic surgery services across Himachal Pradesh, aimed at providing advanced medical treatment within government health institutions, ensuring high-quality healthcare access for the people of the State. A proposal outlining the recruitment rules for these specialist surgeons will be presented to the State Cabinet for approval shortly. In addition to performing surgeries, the recruited experts will also train other doctors in robotic surgical techniques, helping build a future-ready team of skilled professionals in the State. Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu shared this information during a late evening review meeting of the Health Department held on Friday.

The Chief Minister stated “The State government is committed to providing quality healthcare services to the people through public health institutions. Modern technologies and medical equipment are being installed in all government medical colleges and other health facilities across the State.” The Atal Institute of Medical Super-Specialty at Chamiyana will provide healthcare facilities at par with AIIMS, Delhi and robotic surgery services will soon commence at this institute, whereas a robotic surgical system will also be installed soon at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda, he added.

He also directed the department to initiate the process for installing robotic surgical machines at Hamirpur Medical College and Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla, as part of the State’s push towards advanced healthcare services. He emphasized the need to fill vacant posts in the health sector without delay to further strengthen healthcare delivery across Himachal Pradesh. He said that the Directorate of Medical Education will recruit 100 new medical officers, while 50 additional nurses will be appointed at Chamiyana soon. Recruitment process is also in progress for paramedical staff, technicians, and other support personnel to enhance the overall capacity of the state’s healthcare infrastructure. He said ”The State Government has increased the monthly honorarium of operation theatre assistants from Rs. 17,820 to Rs. 25,000, and for radiographers and X-ray technicians from Rs. 13,100 to Rs. 25,000.”

Sh. Sukhu said that to address the shortage of paramedical education seats in the government sector, the government has decided to increase intake capacity in key courses after 23 years to bolster the health sector. At IGMC Shimla, the number of seats in B.Sc. Medical Laboratory Technology, B.Sc. Radiology and Imaging, and B.Sc. Anesthesia and OT Technology courses have been increased from 10 to 50 each. Similarly, at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda, the number of seats in B.Sc. Medical Laboratory Technology, B.Sc. Radiology and Imaging, and B.Sc. Anesthesia and OT Technology has been enhanced from 18 to 50 in each course. This will enable local youth to receive professional training within the State itself, he said.

Health Minister Col. (Dr.) Dhani Ram Shandil, Health Secretary M. Sudha Devi, Special Secretary Dr. Ashwini Kumar Sharma and other senior officials were present at the meeting.

-0-