The energy policy will be amended in Himachal Pradesh to make the state self-reliant and a target to generate 500 MW solar energy by December 2024 has been fixed, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu informed the assembly on Tuesday.
The chief minister said Himachal Pradesh purchases power from other states during the winters at a higher rate and stopping purchase of power from other states would help the state save Rs 1,000 crore.
Speaking on the discussion initiated by Congress leader Chetanya Sharma on "renewable energy vision for a sustainable future, empowering Himachal Pradesh", the chief minister said the government has set a target to make Himachal a "green state" by 2026 and with a focus on solar energy, the "state's biggest 32 MW solar energy plant would come up at Pekhuwala in Una district in the next four months".
Sukhu added the government is giving 50 per cent subsidy on e-vehicles and the youth keen to purchase e-taxis are also being given 50 per cent subsidy, and 582 youth have so far applied for e-taxis.
Over 800 cases of crimes registered in Himachal in last 10 months CM
Over 800 cases of crimes, including 73 of murder and 296 of rape, were registered in Himachal Pradesh in the past 10 months and 1,028 people were arrested in connection with these, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu informed the assembly.
Challans have been filed in the court against 881 accused in 551 cases, he said in a written reply in the House to a question asked by the BJP's Deep Ram. The total number of the criminal cases stands at 812. Sukhu said 142 people accused in the murder cases were arrested and challans have been filed in 48 cases against 108 accused. Investigations are underway in 25 cases, he added. Further, 345 people were arrested in 296 rape cases and challans have been filed in the court against 290 people in 209 cases, investigations are underway in 54 cases and cancellation reports have been prepared in 33, the chief minister added.
51 schools destroyed, 1057 partially damaged due to heavy rains in HP
Fifty-one school buildings were destroyed and 1,057 partially damaged due to heavy rains in the monsoon season this year in Himachal Pradesh and the total loss is estimated at Rs 69.27 crore, Education Minister Rohit Thakur informed the assembly Tuesday. Replying to a query by BJP MLA Vinod Kumar during the Question Hour, he said the completely destroyed buildings would be reconstructed on priority and the department has sought additional funds for this. The construction of partially damaged buildings would be taken up in a phased manner, the minister said, responding to a supplementary question by Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur.
