• Says under PM Modi’s leadership, India moving towards self-reliance, innovation and inclusive growth
• Atal Tunnel, PMGSY opened new possibilities for remote and hilly areas of Himachal: Governor
• Emphasizes for promoting local products under PM Modi’s ‘Vocal for Local’ & ‘Make in India’ initiatives
• Urges artisans to take benefit of central sponsored schemes to strengthen their livelihoods while preserving traditional skills

               Governor Kavinder Gupta today called for harnessing the State’s rich natural and cultural heritage, local resources and human potential to create new opportunities for youth, entrepreneurs, farmers, artisans and women, while strengthening Himachal Pradesh’s contribution to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.

The Governor was speaking as the Chief Guest at the inauguration of the 3rd Destination Himachal Expo @2026 on theme ‘Viksit Bharat–Viksit Himachal', organised at the historic Chowgan in Chamba.

Addressing the gathering, the Governor said the expo provides an important platform to connect people with opportunities in employment, entrepreneurship, technology, skill development and various government initiatives.

The Governor said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is moving steadily towards self-reliance, innovation and inclusive growth, with the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 serving as a national resolve. He emphasized that the vision can be realised only when every state, district and village contributes to the nation’s progress.

Highlighting the importance of connectivity, Kavinder Gupta said that initiatives such as the Atal Tunnel and Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana have opened new possibilities for remote and hilly areas by improving access to markets, tourism and economic opportunities. Better connectivity, he said, should also ensure improved access to education, healthcare and employment for people in far-flung areas.

The Governor stressed the need to leverage Chamba’s tourism potential by promoting rural, religious and adventure tourism along with homestays. These sectors, he said, can create meaningful opportunities for local youth and women while strengthening the region’s economy. He also called for ensuring that economic activity remains environmentally sustainable and protects the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.

Referring to Chamba Rumal and the State’s traditional handicrafts, woodcraft, local food products, agriculture and horticulture, Kavinder Gupta called for linking local products with modern design, quality standards, digital marketing and wider markets. He said the Prime Minister’s call for ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘Make in India’ can give greater visibility and market access to local artisans and entrepreneurs.

The Governor highlighted the PM Vishwakarma scheme as an important initiative for traditional artisans and craftspeople, providing support through skill upgradation, modern tools, financial assistance and market linkages. He urged artisans in Chamba to make full use of such opportunities to strengthen their livelihoods while preserving traditional skills.
Emphasizing the importance of agriculture and horticulture to the rural economy, Kavinder Gupta called for greater use of modern technology, food processing, value addition and improved market linkages to create additional income opportunities for farmers.

Calling upon young people to become job creators rather than merely job seekers, the Governor said tourism, agriculture, technology, food processing and handicrafts offer considerable scope for entrepreneurship. He encouraged youth to utilise Central Government schemes, skill training and institutional support to build enterprises and create opportunities within their own communities.

The Governor appreciated the participation of various ministries, scientific institutions, public sector undertakings and skill development organisations in the expo. He expressed hope that the interactions at the event would lead to tangible outcomes through training, technical support, market linkages, entrepreneurship and employment generation.

Kavinder Gupta said that the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 will gain momentum when farmers prosper, youth become self-reliant, women are economically empowered, local enterprises flourish and the country’s cultural heritage is preserved. He congratulated the organisers, particularly Dr. Rajiv Bhardwaj and the team of Avishkar Exhibition and Promotion, for organising the 3^rd Destination of Himachal Expo @ 2026 and wished the event success.
Earlier, Member of Parliament Dr. Rajeev Bhardwaj welcomed the Governor and honoured him with a traditional cap, shawl and memento.

In his welcome address, Dr. Bhardwaj said that the Third Destination Himachal Expo @2026 was an important initiative towards advancing the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He emphasised that transforming Chamba from an aspirational district into a source of inspiration required collective efforts by the administration, public representatives and local residents. The district’s natural resources, rich cultural heritage, tourism potential and local products, he said, could open new pathways for development.

MLA Neeraj Nayar, Dr. Hans Raj, former MLAs Vikram Jaryal, Pawan Nayar and Jiya Lal Kapoor, former Municipal Council President Neelam Nayar, Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Repaswal, Superintendent of Police Vijay Kumar Saklani, officers from various departments and other prominent people were also present on the occasion.

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Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu launched ‘Pangi Apple' brand produced through natural farming here today. He said that state government was promoting natural farming vigorously in the state and this initiative will go a long way towards establishing a distinct identity for locally produced apples in Pangi under the ‘Pangi Apple’ brand.

  He said that Pangi Sub Division has been declared as the state’s first Natural Farming Sub-Division thereby strengthening the local economy and bring this remote tribal region at par with other parts of the state in terms of economic opportunities and quality of life. He said that Pangi has approximately 370 hectares under apple cultivation, with over 1,04,000 apple plants and an expected production of around 35,000 boxes (approximately 550 MT) this season. Until now, apples produced in Pangi have been marketed outside the valley in cartons branded as ‘Kullu Apples’ or ‘Kinnaur Apples,’ limiting the recognition of Pangi’s own produce.

Sh. Sukhu said that to address this, customized ‘Pangi Apple’ cartons in 20 kg and 10 kg capacities have been launched and are being provided to farmers at a 50 percent subsidy. He said that this initiative will help in establishing a distinct identity for Pangi apples, promote the region’s natural-farming produce and improve market recognition.  He said that the initiative is part of the vision of the present state government to develop Pangi as the first chemical-free Sub-Division of the state under natural farming. It marks an important step towards strengthening the livelihoods of approximately 6,300 farming households, promoting local entrepreneurship and ensuring greater economic opportunities for the people of this remote tribal region.

Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, Deputy Chairman H.P. Planning Board Bhawani Singh Pathania, Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania, Resident Commissioner Amandeep Singh and other senior officers were present on the occasion.

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Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today here flagged off a walkathon from his official residence, Oak Over to the Indira Gandhi State Sports Complex, Shimla, to mark the launch of the Sports and Cultural Club of the Department of Health and Family Welfare. Officers and employees of the Directorate of Health and Family Welfare participated in the walkathon.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister said that the primary objective of establishing the club was to promote physical fitness, mental well-being, sportsmanship, cultural activities and a healthy lifestyle among officers and employees of the department. He expressed hope that the club would play a significant role in promoting teamwork, discipline, mutual cooperation and camaraderie among employees by organizing sports tournaments, athletic competitions, cultural programmes and recreational activities.

Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the club would also play an important role in identifying and nurturing sporting and cultural talent, promoting Himachal Pradesh’s traditional culture, encouraging healthy competition and strengthening unity and harmony among departmental personnel. These initiatives would help create a healthy, active and positive working environment while contributing to the welfare and all-round development of officers and employees.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil, Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi, Secretary Health Ashish Singhmar, Director Health Services Dr. Gopal Beri and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

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The 12th Meeting of the State Board for Wildlife, Himachal Pradesh, was held under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh here today. Detailed deliberations were held on proposals relating to industrial development, strategic border infrastructure, road connectivity, diversion of forest land for non-forestry purposes and wildlife conservation. The proposals were discussed in view of developmental requirements national security, environmental protection and wildlife conservation.

The Board approved establishment of an Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) and Intermediates Manufacturing Unit by M/s CMG Biotech Private Limited at Plot Nos. 53 and 54, Phase-I, Industrial Area, Sansarpur Terrace, District Kangra.

The Board also deliberated upon the proposal for diversion of 1.78.20 hectares of forest land in favour of the 17th Battalion, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Reckong Peo, District Kinnaur, for the establishment of Border Out Post Lalung at Muhal Lalung and Dhar Chokula, Kaza, Tehsil Spiti, District Lahaul-Spiti. In addition, the proposal for diversion of 1.60 hectares of forest land in favour of the 2^nd Battalion, ITBP, Babeli Camp, Kullu, for the establishment of Forward Post Nithal Thach in District Kinnaur was discussed.

The proposal for diversion of 00-27-50 hectare of forest land within the Rakcham-Chhitkul Wildlife Sanctuary in favour of 11 MAHAR Regiment/Headquarters 136 (Independent) Infantry Brigade Group for the development of military infrastructure along the northern border at Nagasti, Tehsil Sangla, District Kinnaur, was also placed before the Board.

The Board further considered the proposal for expansion of the existing secondary metallurgical unit of M/s Goyal Furnace Pvt. Ltd. The proposed expansion involves increasing the production capacity of MS ingots from 19,200 tonnes per annum to 96,600 tonnes per annum, along with the installation of an additional induction furnace, a continuous casting machine and a rolling mill for the production of 77,280 tonnes per annum of rounds, angles, channels, TMT bars and flats.

The proposal for diversion of 4.72 hectares of forest land within the Shikari Devi Wildlife Sanctuary in favour of the Himachal Pradesh Public Works Department, Seraj Division, District Mandi, for the widening and upgradation of the Bhulah–Shikari Devi Road was also discussed.

After deliberations, all the proposals were approved, keeping in view the applicable statutory provisions and the requirements of wildlife conservation and environmental protection.

The Board also deliberated upon measures to mitigate the increasing incidence of wildlife mortality due to road accidents along the Pung–Bhuwana Tunnel stretch of the Kiratpur–Manali Four-Lane Highway (NH No. 154) in Suket Forest Division, District Mandi. The discussion focused on the need to ensure wildlife safety and implement appropriate measures to reduce wildlife fatalities on this stretch of the highway.

The Chief Minister also sought the panchayat wise data of monkeys and also reviewed the under construction Durgesh Arananya Zoological Park Bankhandi in Dehra of Kangra district and directed to expedite the construction work.

The Chief Minister also released two postcard series titled “HIMACHAL’S WILD ICONS” and “HIMACHAL’S WILD HERITAGE.”  brought out by the Wildlife Wing of the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department, in collaboration with the Himachal Pradesh Postal Circle, Shimla.

Sh. Sukhu also released the book 'Simplified Procedures for Analysis of Physio Chemical Tests in Water Samples' authored by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (HOFF) Sanjay Sood.

Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, Deputy Chairman H.P. Planning Board Bhawani Singh Pathania, MLA Sanjay Awasthy, Principal Secretary M. Sudha Devi, Members of the Board, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (HOFF) Sanjay Sood, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Alok Prem Nagar and other senior officers were present in the meeting.

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• Seeks panchayat-wise data of monkeys from Wildlife wing

·        Water sports to be developed along 35-km stretch from Aehan to Tattapani, creating new livelihood opportunities for local youth

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today virtually inaugurated adventure water sports activities at the Kol Dam reservoir in Aehan, Mandi district, from Shimla.

The Chief Minister said that the expansion of these activities across the nearly 35-kilometre stretch of the reservoir from Aehan to Tattapani will offer tourists exciting experiences while creating new employment and self-employment opportunities for local youth and strengthening the regional economy.

On the occasion, Sh. Sukhu said that recognizing the natural beauty of the Kol Dam reservoir and its immense tourism potential, the present state government has decided to expand adventure water sports activities in the area. Under this initiative, tourists will be able to enjoy a range of attractions, including speedboats, jet skis, banana boat rides, bumper rides and a mini cruise boat with a capacity of 20 passengers. These activities will allow visitors to enjoy the scenic beauty of the reservoir while experiencing thrilling water-based adventures.

The Chief Minister said the state government was making continuous efforts to promote tourism across Himachal, with water sports having an important role to play in this endeavour. He said the tourism sector provided employment and self-employment opportunities to lakhs of families and also contributed to an increase in the revenue of state.

He said that the government had already introduced similar activities in Bilaspur. The state's objective was to establish Himachal as a leading destination in the tourism sector.

Former Chief Parliamentary Secretary Sohan Singh Thakur said the Chief Minister's vision had now been translated into reality. He said the state government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, was continuously working to promote tourism across the state.

Expressing confidence that the launch of these activities would boost tourism in the region and enhance the income of local residents, he said the Chief Minister was consistently working towards making Himachal Pradesh self-reliant.

On the occasion Speaker of the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly Kuldeep Singh Pathania, Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, Vice-Chairman of the State Planning Board Bhawani Singh Pathania and Advocate General Anup Rattan and other dignitaries were present in Shimla. Whereas  Vice-Chairman of the Water Management Board Shashi Sharma, Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan and other dignitaries were present in present at Aehan in Mandi district.

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Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today virtually inaugurated, the newly constructed Sub-Tehsil Office building at Bihru in the Kutlehar Assembly constituency of Una district from Shimla today. The building has been constructed at a cost of Rs. 2.47 crore.

Congratulating the residents of the area on the inauguration of newly constructed building, the Chief Minister said it would facilitate the access to revenue related services and enable local residents to get their official work done more conveniently. He said the building had been completed through the sustained efforts of local MLA Vivek Sharma, who remained committed to addressing the concerns of the people and ensuring that their work was carried out.

Highlighting the ongoing development works in the Kutlehar Assembly constituency, The Chief Minister said the state government had sanctioned Rs. 5 crore for the construction of a bridge between Matiyana and Bangana. In addition, the Turkal-Panga drinking water supply scheme was being implemented at a cost of Rs. 15 crore.

He said the state government had also taken significant steps to strengthen road infrastructure in the area. These included the sanctioning of Rs. 8.36 crore for the Lathiani-Kodra road, Rs. 12 crore for the strengthening of the Bangana-Shantla road and Rs. 13 crore for the construction of the Hatli-Talpi road.

The Chief Minister said the state government was committed to the overall development of the Kutlehar Assembly constituency and was providing all possible assistance to expedite development projects in accordance with the needs of the region.

On the occasion, local MLA Vivek Sharma expressed his gratitude to the Chief Minister for extending these development benefits to the constituency. He said the Chief Minister was sensitive to the demands and concerns of the people of Kutlehar and was making efforts to address them with utmost dedication. He said that there was no shortage of funds for the development of the area and thanked the Chief Minister for his continued support.

On the occasion Speaker HP Vidhan Sabha Assembly Kuldeep Singh Pathania, Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, Vice-Chairman State Planning Commission Bhawani Singh Pathania, Advocate General Anup Rattan and other dignitaries were present in Shimla. -0-