Yog Raj Sharma
The North News
Shimla, May 17
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced that the hill state is on track to become “Green Energy State” by 31 March 2026. He said the state would also emerge as a frontrunner in the country’s green hydrogen sector, with a one-megawatt hydrogen plant underway at Nalagarh in Solan district, in collaboration with Oil India Limited.
Talking to reporters at the Ridge in Shimla after flagging off the 12th edition of the MTB Himalaya cycle race, Sukhu said the government is committed to transitioning the entire state to green energy within the next year. “We are working tirelessly to harness green energy, and by the next year, only green energy will be utilized across Himachal Pradesh,” said Sukhu. “This is a crucial step for our environment and for sustainable development.”
As part of this broader environmental and tourism push, the Chief Minister also outlined efforts to promote adventure sports in the region. He said the government had identified several potential routes for dedicated cycling tracks, some of which will be constructed in Shimla. “Cycling is not just a sport — it’s a non-polluting, health-promoting mode of transport that supports our green vision,” he added.
The MTB Himalaya race, organised by the Himalayan Adventure Sports and Tourism Promotion Association (HASPTA) in collaboration with Himachal Tourism, Heatrex Tyres, and the state’s cycling association, drew over 100 professional and amateur cyclists from across India and abroad. The route will take riders through heritage circuits in Shimla, including Kufri, Chail, Summerhill and Potter’s Hill, concluding on 18 May.
The Chief Minister also unveiled an upcoming ₹37 crore ice-skating rink in Shimla, aimed at boosting winter tourism and sports infrastructure. To ease traffic congestion in the state capital, work has begun on widening the circular road, a key urban mobility corridor.
Friday’s event also featured a cycle stunt performance by world champion Lakshay Jangid and a ceremonial show by the Army band. Senior dignitaries in attendance included MLAs Harish Janartha and Sudarshan Babloo, Shimla Mayor Surender Chauhan, Deputy Mayor Uma Kaushal, and Nardev Kanwar, chairman of the HP Buildings and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board.
