Himachal CM Seeks Central Aid for Infrastructure and Environmental Recognition

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu met Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari and Bhupender Yadav to discuss key state development issues. During his meeting with Road Transport and Highways Minister Gadkari, CM Sukhu requested central assistance for road and bridge maintenance, including tunnel construction on the Shimla-Mataur National Highway and urgent strengthening of monsoon-damaged routes. Gadkari approved ₹200 crore under CRIF for a road network benefiting apple growers and assured cooperation for another critical road project. Separately, CM Sukhu urged Environment Minister Yadav to officially recognize the state's actual 29.5% forest and tree cover in all ecological assessments, emphasizing the inclusion of 'Trees Outside Forest' (1.5% of total area) to accurately reflect Himachal's environmental contributions in central allocations.