Himachal bags top ranks in Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2023, CM Sukhu congratulates people   

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], September 8 (ANI): Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday congratulated the people a day after the state's industrial towns of Parwanoo and Kala Amb bagged the top ranks at the national level under the 'Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2023'.
CM Sukhu further added that the government vehicles would be gradually phased out over the next three years and replaced with eco-friendly electric vehicles.
Indore, Amravati and Parwanoo have the cleanest air in India while Madurai, Jammu and Kohima have the worst, according to the Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2023 (Clean Air Survey) report released in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh on Thursday by Union environment minister Bhupender Yadav.
"He said that the award was possible due to responsible and environmentally conscious tourism, the active cooperation of local communities and the coordinated, sustained efforts of government agencies, "CM Sukhu said.
He said “Setting ambitious targets, the state government, in collaboration with all stakeholders, aims to establish Himachal Pradesh as a green energy state by 31st March 2026.
"The commitment to this objective was vividly reflected in the state's recent budget, which prioritizes green energy initiatives. Himachal Pradesh is steadfastly reducing its dependence on fossil fuels, promoting the use of e-vehicles, and championing the production of green hydrogen," CM Sukhu said.
"Simultaneously, the state is intensifying its efforts to harness solar and wind energy, further solidifying its commitment to sustainable practices," CM Sukhu added.
"He said that the state government is offering a 50 per cent subsidy on the purchase of e-buses, e-trucks, and e-taxis within Himachal Pradesh,' CM Sukhu said.
"This forward-thinking initiative aims not only to reduce carbon emissions but also to boost the income of individuals involved in the transportation sector," CM Sukhu said.
The Chief Minister said that the state government is committed to achieving sustainable development while maintaining a delicate balance with the environment.
"He said that the state is transforming towards becoming a green state with a vision of harmonizing development and eco-consciousness," CM Sukhu added.
CM Sukhu further said that the state is establishing green corridors, marking the state as the first in the country to take this pioneering step.
"Infrastructure development is in full swing to support this endeavour, and positive outcomes are expected in the near future, particularly in the realm of green hydrogen production," CM Sukhu added.
In the second category, with a population between 300,000 to one million, Amravati secured the first rank followed by Moradabad and Guntur. Jammu, Guwahati and Jalandhar ranked 38, 37 and 36, respectively.
Similarly, for the third category, with a population of less than 300,000, Parwanoo in Himachal Pradesh secured the first rank followed by Kala Amb and Angul, while Kohima was ranked last - 39, the report added.
The survey was conducted by the Central Pollution Control Board. (ANI)