HIMACHAL SAMACHAR 19-OCTOBER-2025

CM Wishes Governor on Diwali, Celebrates with Children, Pushes Green Mission

Shimla – Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu met Governor Shri Shiv Pratap Shukla and extended warm wishes for the holy occasion of Deepavali to him and the Lady Governor. He wished them good health, happiness, and prosperity.

On this occasion, the CM’s wife Kamlesh Thakur was also present. The Chief Minister visited the Tuticorin Children’s Ashram in Shimla and celebrated Diwali with the children. The children and staff welcomed him with earthen lamps and colorful cultural performances.

He distributed sweets and gifts and conveyed Diwali wishes to all the children.
He stated,

"The real meaning of Diwali is to spread joy, compassion, and unity."

He emphasized that,

"These children are our future, and it is our duty to raise them with love, dignity, and opportunity."

The state government has adopted orphans as the children of the state, bearing full educational expenses and providing them with ₹4000 pocket money every month.

The CM announced that:

"Residential facilities will be improved in state-run ashrams, and more amenities will be provided."
"A Play Day will be organized on November 14 every year, for which a sufficient budget will be allocated."

He added that ashram children would be sent out of state for exposure visits.
He assured:

"If any child faces any problem, they can approach me directly. You are our family."

He also said that Himachal Pradesh is the first state in India to pass a law granting rights to orphaned children.

🌳 Rajiv Gandhi Forest Development Project & Green Himachal

The Green Himachal Mission is progressing rapidly, aimed at expanding forests and promoting environmental sustainability.
Under the ₹100 crore Rajiv Gandhi Forest Development Project, barren forest lands are being rejuvenated.

The project focuses on:

• Promoting green cover

• Boosting employment and rural economy

• Involving women, youth, and self-help groups

Each community-based group will be given 5 hectares of barren land.
The Forest Department will:

• Provide quality saplings

• Ensure monitoring and evaluation

Groups will get ₹1.2 lakh per hectare, and more for larger or specialized areas.
Women’s groups will be allotted up to ₹2.4 lakh per hectare.

The CM highlighted:

"This will create rural employment and provide income opportunities at home for women."

Forest guards have also been appointed for forest protection.
According to the Forest Survey of India, Himachal’s forest cover has increased from 14,353 sq km (2003) to 15,580 sq km (2023).

The CM said:

"Himachal is moving fast toward becoming an ‘Energy State’ through its green efforts."

On this occasion, Industry Minister Harsh Vardhan Chauhan and the Gatsaim Industrial Development Union handed over a ₹50 lakh cheque to the CM for self-reliance initiatives.

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