Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday met Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari and sought adequate central financial assistance for the maintenance of roads and bridges in the hill state, an official statement stated.
In a separate meeting, CM Sukhu also met Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav and requested him to recognise 29.5 per cent forest and tree cover for all calculations related to forest, ecology, and other allocations.
During his meeting with Gadkari, Sukhu held comprehensive discussions on strengthening road infrastructure across Himachal Pradesh.
Gadkari approved Rs 200 crore in principle under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) for the Chaila–Neripul–Yashwant Nagar–Ochghat road. The project is expected to provide major relief to apple growers in the state, the statement said.
Sukhu informed Gadkari about the progress of the Shimla–Mataur national highway, which connects eight districts, including the state capital. He requested the construction of the maximum possible number of tunnels between Shimla and Shalaghat, and between Bhager and Hamirpur, keeping in mind the hilly terrain and geological sensitivity of the region.
The chief minister said the Chil Bahal to Pucca Baroh stretch has suffered extensive damage during successive monsoons and has not been strengthened for the past five to six years. He pointed out that the road is an important access route to several major religious destinations.
He requested the Union minister to issue directions for handing over the Chil Bahal–Pucca Baroh section of NH-03 to the National Highways wing of the Himachal Pradesh Public Works Department for development and maintenance work. Sukhu also requested early approval of Rs 38.37 crore by the National Highways Authority of India.
The Union minister approved the amount and assured full support to the state government, the statement added.
During his meeting with the environment minister, Sukhu highlighted the discrepancy between the actual forest and tree cover of 29.5 per cent and the officially recorded figure of 27.99 per cent.
He said the difference arises because trees outside forests (ToF) are not included in the consolidated assessment of the state’s forest and tree cover.
Sukhu noted that the state enforces strict regulatory control over harvesting private lands under various categories, but does not receive due credit from the Centre for these efforts.
He stressed that the additional 1.5 per cent tree cover should be included to reflect the state’s true ecological and forestry contribution. Sukhu urged that 29.5 per cent forest and tree cover be recognised for all calculations related to forest and ecology under the Finance Commission and other central allocation mechanisms.
He said undervaluing trees outside forests undermines Himachal Pradesh’s real contribution to national ecosystem services and creates a disadvantage for states that actively protect their trees.
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