Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu in a meeting with Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav in New Delhi on Monday advocated for early forest clearances for escalating various ongoing development projects in Himachal Pradesh.

Sukhu urged the Union Minister to ensure early forest approvals in a time-bound manner for the construction of heliports, and green corridors as mandated by the State Government for making Himachal as 'Green Energy State' by the year 2025 and other major ongoing projects.

The tough geological conditions of Himachal Pradesh, necessitate to the construction of heliports, not only to facilitate the tourists visiting the State but also to cater to emergency needs during natural calamities or otherwise. A decision should be taken without delay regarding the necessary forest clearances pending for the construction of the heliports, he urged the Union Minister.

The state government is promoting e-vehicles in Himachal Pradesh and developing the necessary infrastructure for the same by constructing an adequate number of e-charging stations for electrical vehicles. Besides, green corridors would also be constructed on both sides of all National and state highways in the state. In order to speed up the process, various approvals regarding forest land should be accorded in time to achieve the target, said the Chief Minister.  

Delay in forest clearances creates an unnecessary delay in the construction of development projects, especially educational institutions, roads and bridges and ropeways, etc. he said, urging that these approvals should be given as soon as possible.

The Chief Minister advocated that the State forest officers of the state should work in unison with the central-level forest officers and should take up the cases pending with the Ministry so that approvals can be received in time.

Detailed discussions were also held regarding the state's water reservoirs, wildlife sanctuaries and eco-tourism guidelines and other important topics including Parivesh Portal, National Transit Pass System, School Nursery Scheme, City Forest Scheme, Davanal (Forest fires) during the summer season in the state.

The Union Minister assured all possible help to the state.