Shimla’s Green Ambitions: A Journey Towards Sustainable Tourism

Himachal Pradesh, under the leadership of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, is taking bold steps towards a greener future, aiming to become India’s first green energy state by March 2026. This ambitious goal is driven by a deep commitment to sustainable development and a desire to lead the nation in environmental responsibility.

Here are the key points of Himachal Pradesh’s green energy journey:

1. A Green Energy Revolution:

  • The state is aggressively transitioning from thermal power to renewable sources like hydro, solar, and wind.
  • Currently, 90% of the state’s energy consumption is derived from renewable sources, positioning it to achieve full green energy status within a year.

2. Transforming the Kalka-Shimla Railway:

  • Sukhu has proposed transforming the historic Kalka-Shimla rail line, a UNESCO World Heritage site, into a green hydrogen-powered route.
  • This initiative would showcase the state’s commitment to sustainable tourism and set a precedent for eco-friendly transportation.

3. Boosting Renewable Energy Infrastructure:

  • Himachal Pradesh is expanding its solar power generation capacity with a target of 2,000 MW in the next five years.
  • The “Green Panchayat” initiative is establishing 500 KW solar power plants at the panchayat level, generating revenue for eco-friendly development projects.

4. Embracing Green Hydrogen Technology:

  • The state is actively pursuing green hydrogen production, starting with a facility in partnership with Oil India Limited.
  • Further investments are being explored to solidify Himachal Pradesh’s position as a leader in this emerging technology.

5. Electrifying Transportation:

  • Himachal Pradesh aims to replace 1,500 buses in its state transport fleet with electric vehicles.
  • The government is also transitioning its own fleet to electric vehicles, demonstrating its commitment to clean transportation.

6. A Vision for Sustainable Tourism:

  • The state’s green energy initiatives are designed to attract eco-conscious tourists and promote sustainable tourism in the region.
  • The Kalka-Shimla rail line, if transformed into a green hydrogen-powered route, could become a symbol of sustainable tourism in India.

Himachal Pradesh’s journey towards a green future is a testament to the power of vision and commitment. By embracing renewable energy, green hydrogen technology, and sustainable transportation, the state is paving the way for a more environmentally responsible and prosperous future.

A Beacon of Hope for Sickle Cell Patients in Indore

Here’s a humanistic approach to the article:

  • A New Era of Diagnosis: The inauguration of a state-of-the-art molecular lab at MGM Medical College in Indore marks a significant step forward in the fight against sickle cell anemia. This lab, equipped with cutting-edge technology, will enable early detection of the disease in unborn babies, offering families a chance to prepare and seek timely intervention.
  • Empowering Families: The lab’s ability to conduct prenatal diagnosis empowers families to make informed decisions about their children’s health. This knowledge allows them to seek appropriate medical care and support, fostering a sense of hope and control in the face of a challenging diagnosis.
  • A Lifeline for Tribal Communities: The lab’s location in Indore, a region with a high prevalence of sickle cell anemia among tribal populations, is particularly crucial. This initiative directly addresses the health needs of these communities, providing access to vital diagnostic and treatment services.
  • A Collaborative Effort: The establishment of the lab is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the government, medical professionals, and international organizations like the WHO. This collective commitment underscores the importance of tackling this genetic disorder and improving the lives of those affected.
  • Beyond Diagnosis: Hope for the Future: While there is currently no cure for sickle cell anemia, the lab’s advanced capabilities will facilitate access to various treatment options, including bone marrow transplants and red cell exchange programs. This offers a glimmer of hope for patients and their families, paving the way for a better future.
  • A Commitment to Care: The provision of free treatment for sickle cell patients, along with other government benefits, demonstrates a commitment to providing comprehensive care and support. This ensures that financial constraints do not hinder access to vital medical services, allowing patients to focus on their health and well-being.

The new molecular lab in Indore represents a beacon of hope for sickle cell patients and their families, offering a chance for early detection, timely intervention, and access to life-saving treatment. This initiative is a testament to the power of collaboration and a commitment to improving the lives of those affected by this genetic disorder.

Under Amrut 2.0, the BMC will spend Rs 1,000 crore to overcome sewage problems

The will spend one thousand crore rupees in the coming years under the AMRUT 2.0 scheme to give freedom to the residents from sewage flowing in the open. Under this, sewage pipeline will be laid in the entire city.

There is a plan to connect 100 percent houses with these. Till now 350 km sewage pipeline has been laid in the city with Rs 400 crore received under Amrit 1.0 Yojana. Presently 80 thousand houses have been connected with these. A target has been set to provide four lakh connections by December 2023.

It may be mentioned that ten years ago the PHE department had laid sewage pipelines in some areas of the old city. More than 50 thousand houses were connected with this connection. But these pipelines have also become dilapidated over the years.

Governor talks with Madhya Pradesh Blind Welfare bodies

Governor Mangubhai Patel has said that every disabled has divine-powers and divya-ang. It is the responsibility of the Society to make them aware of their special abilities in their rehabilitation. Assistance should be given to enhance their competence and efficiency. He said that after Class XII, the differently-abled, society and government should contemplate together and take initiative to take up the challenge of making special arrangements for the higher Education.

Patel was addressing separate introductory meetings of Madhya Pradesh Blind Welfare Association Indore and Madhya Pradesh The Blind Relief Associations today. Officers of the institution, Additional Secretary to the Governor Manoj Khatri and other officers of Raj Bhavan were present in the meeting.

The Governor has said that proposals should be presented to the government by the institution regarding future action plan and expectations. He has told the need to do this work at the earliest, so that planning can be done according to the need and priority in the coming years plan. Governor Patel got introduced to the members. He sought point wise information about the work being done by the organization. The Governor discussed in detail about the achievements of the organization, available Resources, requirements and future plans.

On the recommendation of the selection committee constituted by the Sports and Youth Welfare Department for the highest sports awards of Madhya Pradesh followed by the approval of Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Smt. Yashodhara Raje Scindia, the State level sports awards were announced.

Director Sports and Youth Welfare Pawan Jain informed that for the year 2020, 13 Eklavya, 10 Vikram, 3 Vishwamitra, 1 Late Shri Prabhas Joshi award and 1 Life Time Achievement Award have been announced. The Life Time Achievement Award for the year 2020 is being given to Padmashri Abhay Chhajlani.

He said that the states Olympic hockey star player Vivek Sagar would be awarded the Vikram award, highest award of the state. For the year 2020 State Level Sports Awards, 110 applications for Eklavya, 95 for Vikram Award, 34 for Vishwamitra Award, three applications were received for Prabhas Joshi Award and 21 for Life Time Achievement award.

Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that with the implementation of Mukhyamantri Ladli Bahna Yojana, the families of eligible beneficiaries will get financial support.

Also, with the implementation of the scheme on a large scale, there will be positive impact on the economy of villages and cities.

Ladli Bahna Gram Sabhas will be held in the villages on 8th June.

Chief Minister Chouhan said that Ministers, MPs and MLAs will take part in programmes to be held at various places. In the period from June 1 to 7, acceptance letters will be provided to the eligible sisters. Bhajans, Mangal-Geets and Ladli Bahna songs will also be presented in the villages. Some districts have also planned to stage effective street plays based on the scheme, which is commendable. CM Chouhan instructed that these activities should be organised in the form of festival.

Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that it is necessary to ensure public participation in monitoring the implementation and effectiveness of development and public welfare activities like the MNREGA scheme, construction of Amrit Sarovar, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. Peoples representatives will also have to fulfill their responsibility in this.

The DISHA committees constituted at the state and district level for monitoring and review of various schemes by the Union Ministry of Rural Development also have an important responsibility. Chief Minister Chouhan was addressing the meeting of the State-Level DISHA Committee at Mantralaya. Union Minister of State for Rural Development Faggan Singh Kulaste, State Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Mahendra Singh Sisodia, Minister of State for Panchayat and Rural Development Ramkhelavan Patel, MP K.P.S. Yadav, Chief Secretary Iqbal Singh Bains, and other officers were present.

MP Police gets national award in digital initiative

Madhya Pradesh Police has received the First Prize (Platinum) Award in the category ‘Digital Initiative at Grassroot Level’ for the ‘Digital India Award 2022′ organized by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, announced by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology on the website of “Digital India”.

This award is given for providing digital service. On receiving the award, Madhya Pradesh Police Chief Director General of Police (DGP) Sudhir Kumar Saxena expressed happiness and congratulated the team of the State Crime Records Bureau.

The nomination process for the Digital India Award was done online in which nominations were received from all over India. After being shortlisted in the process of nomination, ADG SCRB Chanchal Shekhar and AIG CCTNS Pranjali Shukla gave a presentation of an e-deliberation app before the jury in New Delhi.

Satellite campus of IIT Indore will open in Ujjain: Minister

Higher Education Minister Mohan Yadav said that according to the ancient glorious knowledge tradition, efforts are being made to establish Ujjain of Malwa region as a major Learning centre of technology and knowledge-science. Under this the satellite campus of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Indore will be opened in Ujjain. This campus to be established on 100 acres of land will provide international standard research centre and higher education at par with standards. It will be the first educational institute of its kind in the country. This campus will also play an important role in promotion of EMPLOYMENT and self-employment.

Yadav informed that recently the need of opening educational institutions was discussed with the Union Minister of State for Education Subhash Sarkar keeping in view the heritage of astronomy, culture and knowledge-science of Ujjain. He said that IIT Indore has prepared the preliminary DPR for setting up the satellite campus. The campus would be complete in all respects and would be free to take administrative, academic decisions. The campus will also have hostel and accommodation for teachers. International level research facilities and courses will be conducted here. Research work will also be done for industrial units of Ujjain-Indore in the campus. It is also proposed to open four national level learning centres and industrial research parks in the initial phase.

153 government schools to get smart classrooms in Madhya Pradesh

As many as 153government schoolsacross the state to havesmart classroomsfor students of classes one to eight for the academic session 2022-23 under the ICT and digital initiatives for e-Learning. While there are as many as three forIndoredistrict, over 20 are allocated for the schools of Indore division.

Among the districts of Indore, Barwani will have one smart classroom, Alirajpur, Burhanpur and Khandwa districts have been allocated four classrooms each. Dhar district is to get three smart classrooms and as many as two are planned for Jhabua and Khargone districts.

A budget of Rs 2.40 lakh has been allocated for each school as per the plan to procure two desktop computers (i3-12 generation), two LED TV 65” (Smart TVandroid), and two UPS 600 VA (30 minutes back-up). The department has also stated the technical specifications of the items that are to be procured.