Shimla: Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday stressed the need for sustainable urban development and environmental conservation in Himachal Pradesh, stating that preserving the state's clean air and water is the collective responsibility of every citizen.
Urban Transformation and Challenges
Addressing a gathering in Shimla, the Chief Minister noted that the capital city has undergone rapid transformation over the years, with forests giving way to increasing construction activity. He emphasized the need for vertical construction to manage urban expansion effectively.
Rising Cloudburst Incidents
Sukhu warned that cloudburst incidents are likely to increase in Uttarakhand and the Northeast in the coming years. He added that during a meeting with the Union Home Minister, he mentioned that cloudburst incidents would not remain limited to Himachal Pradesh in the future.
Call for Public and Institutional Accountability
Former Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court, Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan, stressed the need for greater public responsibility and institutional accountability. He urged people to improve their own conduct before blaming others for civic issues.
Tourism and Responsible Behavior
Addressing tourism-related concerns, Justice Chauhan said that restrictions should not only target tourists but also require Himachal residents to behave responsibly. He observed that many residents own multiple vehicles despite lacking parking facilities. Traffic congestion during school hours is largely caused by Himachal-registered vehicles rather than tourist traffic. Urbanisation is not merely demographic change but a reorganisation of society itself, he added.
Institutional Failures and Their Impact
Justice Chauhan emphasized that institutions and urban planning frameworks are failing to keep pace, and the weakest sections ultimately suffer the consequences of these institutional failures.
