Ahead of PM Modi’s Visit, Himachal CM Sukhu Calls for a Sustainable Development Policy for Hill States

He said he would urge the Prime Minister to relax the Forest Conservation Act to provide forest land to the landless.

On the eve of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Himachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu stated that he would not only raise the concerns and hardships faced by the people of the state but also request the formulation of a national policy for sustainable development in hill states to prevent further ecological damage.

Hours before Modi’s arrival at Gaggal Airport in Kangra, the Chief Minister expressed his views on X, saying that the people of Himachal welcome the Prime Minister’s visit at a time when the state is grappling with unprecedented devastation caused by the monsoon. He wrote, “The beautiful state of Himachal today mourns the loss of loved ones, villages buried under debris, and severe damage to roads and power supply. Since 2023, the state has been enduring immense suffering.”

He added that he would raise a critical question before the Prime Minister—whether the current development model being followed in hill states is sustainable. Sukhu wrote, “The bigger question is how we can protect the mountains from the adverse effects of climate change. We need a sustainable development model that safeguards our natural resources and ensures the safety and preservation of the mountains.”

The Chief Minister also said he would urge the Prime Minister to immediately initiate discussions on developing a sustainable strategy tailored to hill regions. “This is not just about the rehabilitation of those whose homes have been destroyed by heavy rains, but about protecting our mountains from further destruction,” he added.

Furthermore, Sukhu mentioned that he would appeal for a relaxation in the Forest Conservation Act to allocate forest land to people who have been rendered landless due to sudden floods and cloudbursts washing away their property.