Author :&nbsp;Murchana Hazarika
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In contemporary times, much has been talked about the overarching impacts of climate change spanning across countries worldwide, with institutions, governments and multilateral systems focusing on climate change sensitivity and the need to urge sustainable methods of functioning and development globally. This has been a key juncture within the Indian context, especially seen at COP27, wherein India focused on the rapid expansion of green hydrogen production as one of its many parameters of climate policy put forward in the Long Term Low Carbon Development (LT LCD) strategy presented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) to the United Nations Framework for Climate Change (UNFCC). This comes at a point where the country is looking to transition into green energy standards and establish itself as a nation-state with sustainable energy and climate protection practices. According to <a href="https://www.india.gov.in/spotlight/national-green-hydrogen-mission#:~:text=The%20National%20Green%20Hydrogen%20Mission,Green%20Hydrogen%20and%20its%20derivatives">official online reports</a> from the Government of India, India aims to establish itself as an energy-independent nation by 2047 and to achieve net zero emissions by 2070; the country is aiming to revitalise its position on global climate policy by ensuring the usage of renewable sources of energy across all sectors of industrial and economic transformation. In the Union Budget 2023, the Central Government announced an outlay of INR19,700 crore of the &lsquo;Green Hydrogen Mission&rsquo; to ensure a smooth transition of the current economic state towards low carbon intensity, reduction of dependence on fossil fuel imports to promote the country&rsquo;s technological and market advancement in the sector. In his speech during the Budget Session, the union minister of finance announced India&rsquo;s aim to target 5 million Metric Tonnes (MMT) of the annual production of green hydrogen in India by 2030.
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Green Hydrogen: Powering India's Future, Transforming Himachal Pradesh
Green hydrogen is produced when water is electrolysed, i.e., when electricity is produced using renewable energy sources like solar or wind, leading to water being split into hydrogen and oxygen. This method is the most environmentally conducive route towards hydrogen production and hence understood as &lsquo;green&rsquo; energy. The carbon intensity is determined by how carbon neutral the electricity source is; in other words, the more renewable energy is used in the electricity fuel mix, the &lsquo;greener&rsquo; the hydrogen produced. Termed as a &lsquo;sunrise&rsquo; sector, Green Hydrogen production is one of the primary objectives of the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) approved by the Union cabinet in January of 2022. Key objectives included making India a leading global producer and supplier by creating export opportunities for Green Hydrogen and its derivatives, as mentioned on the official government website for NGHM.
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Green Hydrogen is also stated to be an alternative to traditional fossil fuels for energy generation in industries, as well as ensuring the provision of transportation that uses &lsquo;clean&rsquo; and &lsquo;green&rsquo; energy sources to curb environmental stressors. This is where the state of Himachal Pradesh is evidently progressing towards establishing itself as a hydrogen-driven economy and primarily the country&rsquo;s first &lsquo;green state&rsquo; by 2026. Being significantly relevant in terms of supplying multiple usage streams as a fuel or industrial feedstock, the intent on pushing green hydrogen to the forefront of establishing green energy practices comes at a time when renewable sources of energy are being strived to be made effective to support the demand for energy consumption and initiate the process of import substitution in the country.
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Along with green hydrogen as a primary focus, the expansion of usage of solar energy and hydropower initiatives are also in the process of being advanced as sustainable measures, keeping in mind the state&rsquo;s aim to achieve &lsquo;Green Energy State&rsquo; status by 31 March 2026. Taking the decarbonisation of vehicles in the state as a primary objective, the government of Himachal Pradesh has recently announced its intent to be a &lsquo;Model State for Electric Vehicles&rsquo; aimed at reducing carbon emissions through introducing Electric Vehicles (EVs). This entails the development of green corridors in national and state highways, replacing maximum diesel buses of the Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation with e-buses and other measures aligned with the state&rsquo;s purpose of sustainability. Centred around inclusive growth and green economy development, the key focus of the state hitherto lies in introducing a Green Hydrogen Policy in the near future. The World Bank, in its association with the government of Himachal Pradesh, has been supporting the state with several climate-sensitive initiatives based around the Green Resilient Integrated Development Programme with earlier State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC) Reports also denoting the state&rsquo;s erstwhile regard towards developing ecologically sensitive frameworks.
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Green Growth and Inclusive Policies: Himachal Pradesh's Role in India's Sustainable Future
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While the necessary advent of global green energy usage and consumption growth, as well as capacity building towards ensuring climate policies are viable towards fulfilling the sustainable development goals of the country, it is important to note the tenets of social development and inclusivity when working towards any form of growth-economic or environmental. As such, the state of Himachal Pradesh has been immersing itself in equipping its structures with wholesome growth across all domains. At the precipice of such growth, much can be observed about the state promoting growth directed towards the long-term development of factors surrounding technical and social infrastructure, utilisation of natural resources, and socially inclusive and focused parameters for holistic progress. This necessitates the notion of relevant policymaking that is centred around the interplay of nationally highlighted domains of development, such as the National Green Hydrogen Mission, and the proactiveness of Indian states, such as Himachal Pradesh, towards establishing a comprehensive sub-national liaison of priority-based policy formulation, that caters to such national domains with targeted goals and delivery intensive measures.
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The outlay of INR19,700 crore for the Green Hydrogen Mission will facilitate the economy&rsquo;s transition to low carbon intensity, reduce dependence on fossil fuel imports, and make the country assume technology and market leadership in this sunrise sector. The target is to reach an annual production of 5 MMT by 2030, furthering the ambition to target 5 MMT by 2030.
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Himachal Pradesh's Path to Energy Initiatives: Envisioning A Green Energy Roadmap
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Amidst global climate concerns, India's strong focus on sustainable development, particularly evident during COP27's emphasis on green hydrogen expansion, showcases its commitment. India is poised to adopt renewables and sustainable practices, as highlighted in its ambitious Long Term Low Carbon Development strategy. The strategy's goals include energy independence by 2047 and net-zero emissions by 2070. Notably, the Union Budget 2023 allocated INR 19,700 crore to the 'Green Hydrogen Mission,' driving the shift to low carbon intensity and reduced fossil fuel reliance.
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Himachal Pradesh plays a pivotal role in this transformation, striving to be India's first 'green state' by 2026. Its leadership in a hydrogen-based economy complements global demands for sustainable energy. Coupled with solar and hydropower initiatives, the state aspires for a 'Green Energy State' status and aims to pioneer a Green Hydrogen Policy, aligning harmoniously with the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
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In this landscape, inclusive policies are essential. Himachal Pradesh's comprehensive approach to growth across technical, social, and responsible resource utilisation underscores this. The allocation towards the Green Hydrogen Mission reinforces India's commitment to lead in green energy production, with the goal of 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030, bolstering the nation's sustainable journey.
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Author Bio- Hailing from Guwahati, Assam, Murchana Hazarika works as a Teaching Associate and analyst at the Bharti Institute of Public Policy, Indian School of Business. Within academic research, Murchana's interests' range within the domains of Public Policy in Global Mental Health Legislation, Primary and Secondary Education in India, Gender Legislation, Climate Change and Urban Policy processes in the country. A Political Science honours undergraduate from the University of Delhi, Murchana is a professional Indian Classical and Folk Dance artiste and an avid advocator of mental health awareness, gender sensitisation inclusivity and the performing arts.
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Green Hydrogen: India’s Path to Sustainable Energy Leadership and Himachal Pradesh’s Transformative Role

Climate change has been a ley juncture within the Indian context, especially seen at COP27, wherein India focused on the rapid expansion of green hydrogen production as one of its many parameters of climate policy. 

Murchana Hazarika, a Teaching Associate and analyst at the Bharti Institute of Public Policy, Indian School of Business, delves into India's pursuit of sustainable development amidst global climate concerns. Highlighting India's focus on green hydrogen expansion at COP27, Hazarika emphasizes the nation's commitment to renewables and low carbon emissions outlined in the Long Term Low Carbon Development strategy. With an allocation of INR 19,700 crore to the 'Green Hydrogen Mission' in Union Budget 2023, India aims for energy independence by 2047 and net-zero emissions by 2070. Himachal Pradesh's proactive role in this transition, aspiring to be India's first 'green state' by 2026, underscores the nation's sustainable journey.

Sagnik Banarjee 
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Introduction: In a historic move, Himachal Pradesh (HP) Assembly passed the &lsquo;Himachal Pradesh Ceiling on Land Holdings (Amendment) Act, 2023&rsquo; on 4th April 2023, introduced by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, which will now allow women to claim same share in parental property as their male siblings. The earlier act- the Himachal Pradesh Ceiling on Land Holdings Act of 1972, privileged men over the women with the right to inherit up to 150 bighas of independent land in the parents&rsquo; lifetime. The new act mentioned above, indeed delayed, would further ensure gender equality and attenuation of the gender gap in Himachal Pradesh (HP). This state otherwise has a stellar record of women empowerment. But how did HP manage to outperform other states in terms of gender equality and women empowerment?
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The marvellous leap of Himachal Pradesh, &lsquo;from having one of the lowest participation rates of women&rsquo; in the workforce in 1972 to the highest in the country within just a few decades in 2021, demands more attention from researchers and political commentators alike. Among many socio-cultural impetuses, sustained efforts of the consecutive governments in primary education for girls, land reforms and other welfare policies benefitting women must be considered as a case of good governance and inclusive public policy. According to a report by the Gates Foundation, the government&rsquo;s endeavour, including hiring women in &ldquo;urban public-sector hiring, robust healthcare expenditures, financial inclusion efforts, and gender-targeted income smoothing for rural agricultural workers, helped bring greater numbers of women into the workforce.&rdquo;
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1
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"Empowering Women in Himachal Pradesh: Land Reforms and Education as Catalysts" Land reforms and education are the two fundamental policies that ushered in pivotal changes in women&rsquo;s lives in Himachal Pradesh. As data suggests, the state has a high enrollment and retention of girls in primary and secondary schools. Several factors, like exempting school tuition fees for girls and forming Village Education Committees, where women have one-third representation, have translated positively for women&rsquo;s education. Although the second part of the article will discuss land reforms in HP, where these reforms helped rural households with economic support, thus allowing them to educate their girls. A recent survey by the National Statistical Office found that Himachal Pradesh has the highest number of women between the age of 3 and 35 attending educational institutions. The role of the State, as mentioned above and as the same survey noted, further corroborates the welfarist outlook in formulating policies and its role in improving the condition of women in HP. It is also not surprising, as the above-mentioned survey quotes, that the state spends Rs 13,144 per student in an academic year, much higher than all-India average of Rs. 9,948.
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Therefore, the initiative of the state in educating its women and the overall welfare of the citizens must be recognised. This multifaceted impact on women&rsquo;s lives can be measured quantitively and qualitatively. At a macro level, not only does the state rank second in Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) India index in Niti Aayog&rsquo;s Report in 2020, according to a research paper on the &lsquo;Self Esteem among Rural Adolescent Girls in Kangra District of Himachal Pradesh&rsquo;, based on school going girls between 14 to 19 years of age in 112 different schools in Kangra district of HP suggests that &lsquo;most of the girls had self-esteem with an average of 83.56. The study concludes that &lsquo;self-esteem scores were found to be positively correlated with the educational status of the girls.
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2
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Empowering Women in Himachal Pradesh: Land Reforms and Education for Progress Apart from education, another important policy improved women&rsquo;s lives in HP. Land Reforms, or the distribution of lands amongst the rural population, have always been an essential tool for empowering the rural poor. Additionally, land reform also bequeathed women an avenue to transcend beyond their gendered roles in rural India. Studies claim that HP&rsquo;s land reform initiatives in the 1950s and 1970s ensured property rights to almost 80% of households. When families received land rights, it also benefitted the women folks. As a result, as Professor Ramandeep Kaur and Sangeeta Nagaich observe in their article, the &lsquo;maximal growth rate of female labour force participation has been witnessed by female other workers followed by main female workers, female household industry and female agricultural labourers.&rsquo;
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<img src="https://content.himdataportal.com/assets/9533cbb9-aa83-4f22-91d2-fd5330ab8c8d?width=1500&amp;height=1800" alt="Lfpr@2x" />
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According to the recent Labour Force Participation Rate Report of 2020-21 from the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation <a href="https://www.mospi.gov.in/sites/default/files/reports_and_publication/statistical_publication/social_statistics/Chapter_4.pdf">(MoSPI),</a> Himachal Pradesh has the highest female participation rate in India, i.e., 61.6%. In 2011, as the MoSPI data suggests, Himachal Pradesh had the second highest female participation rate in India, 47.4%, after Nagaland, &nbsp;&nbsp;which indicates steady progress in the state. It must also be noted that the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act ensured employment and wages for rural families during low seasons. In HP, it <a href="https://www.gatesfoundation.org/equal-is-greater/case-study/india/">increased the workdays for women</a> from 13% to 46% within two years after the programme was launched.In their <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/368653710_A_Study_of_Persondays_Generated_Under_MGNREGA_and_Underprivileged_in_HP">study</a>, SL Kaushal and Balbir Singh opine that &ldquo;MGNREGA contributes significantly in empowering women in rural areas, especially a hill state like HP. But a need is felt to ensure timely payment of wages to attain the objectives of MGNREGA in practice.&rdquo;
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Himachal Pradesh presents the perfect case where thoughtful people-oriented policies have positively affected the people over the decades. While land reform granted rural families with essential financial support, it also allowed spare labour time for young girls for education. In India, women form the backbone of family labour. On the other hand, targeted incentives from the government to bring women to education by fees exemptions etc., have proven beneficial. This tells us a story where the State led a holistic developmental model for the welfare of its people.
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Land Reforms and Education: Empowering Women in HP
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From the discussion above, one can derive two theoretically contradictory conclusions that complement each other. It should be least surprising that the two top-ranked states in the Human Development Index &ndash; <a href="https://thelawbrigade.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Kusum-Verma.pdf">Kerala and Himachal Pradesh</a>- have had a vigorous programme of land reforms and primary education. Such sustained welfare mechanisms and policies by their governments, where the states chose inclusive developmental policies, have benefited the larger section of society. Structurally, the two material and abstract structures- land and education, improved the condition of women, providing them tools for emancipation from age-old limitations.
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Land reforms in Himachal Pradesh, since 1972 to the recent amendment of Land holdings Act 2023, have provided rural households with economic security. It was instrumental in bringing women into the workspace of family land. This formed the economic backbone of rural Himachal Pradesh and allowed families to send their girl children to schools and also led to improved health conditions of women.&nbsp;
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Secondly, to promote women&rsquo;s participation rate in workspace and to ensure women&rsquo;s representation in managing local resources like forestry etc., the government has also introduced Mahila Mandals (village council of women).
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Lastly, the state&rsquo;s sustained policies on women education helped improve the retention rate of young girls, higher than other states in India. Furthermore, to <a href="https://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1804183.pdf">achieve universalisation of education</a>, the government of HP had promulgated the Himachal Pradesh Compulsory Primary Education Act, 1997, which was a progressive policy initiative to eradicate gender discrimination in education.
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Keeping aside the schisms on the hierarchical difference between public and private, it can be safely concluded that while education developed the consciousness of the women, who were otherwise deemed fit only for traditional works, land rights allowed material security to the rural families in general and to the women in particular; albeit a chicken and egg debate can be invoked to justify the importance of one over the other. Nonetheless, they both improved the human development index for women in HP, ranging from education, low fertility rate, delayed marriage, better health etc.
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Author&rsquo;s Bio: Sagnik Banerjee is a Teaching Assistant cum Analyst at the Bharti Institute of Public Policy at the Indian School of Business (ISB).

Driving Women's Empowerment in Himachal Pradesh: Land Reforms and Education as Catalysts for Progress

Among many socio-cultural impetuses that contributed to the emancipation of women in Himachal Pradesh, the sustained efforts of the consecutive governments in primary education for girls, and land reform are pivotal. The welfarist outlook of the government resulted in positive change for positively for women.

Sagnik Banerjee, a Teaching Assistant and Analyst at the Bharti Institute of Public Policy, Indian School of Business, sheds light on Himachal Pradesh's transformative journey towards gender equality through land reforms and education. The recent 'Himachal Pradesh Ceiling on Land Holdings (Amendment) Act, 2023' signifies a landmark shift, granting women equal rights to parental property. Banerjee explores how the state's focused efforts in primary education and land reforms have propelled it to boast the highest female workforce participation rate in India. Through targeted policies like fee exemptions and village education committees, Himachal Pradesh has prioritized women's education, while land reforms have economically empowered rural households, enabling girls' access to education. Banerjee emphasizes the symbiotic relationship between education and land reforms, both instrumental in enhancing women's empowerment and contributing to the state's holistic development model.

Himachal Pradesh: Pioneering Social Welfare and Good Governance for a Prosperous Future

The state of Himachal Pradesh has been at the forefront of the country’s policy domain, with several welfare-centric policies introduced through legislation towards its people. The focus has now been shifted towards recognising policy-formulating initiatives aimed at developing the social welfare quotient of the state. This was evident in the introduction of the fiscal year 2023-24 budget by the state government in March 2023.

Murchana Hazarika, a Teaching Associate and Analyst at the Bharti Institute of Public Policy, Indian School of Business, highlights Himachal Pradesh's pioneering social welfare policies. Consistently ranked second in the SDG India Index, the state focuses on inclusive growth, evident through initiatives like the 'Himachal Pradesh Sukhashraya Bill, 2023' and the 'Mukhya Mantri Vidhwa Evam Ekal Nari Awas Yojana.' These prioritize care, protection, and self-reliance for vulnerable citizens. Schemes like the 'Mukhya Mantri Vidyarthi Protsahan Yojana' and 'Mukhya Mantri Laghu Dukandar Kalyan Yojana' empower youth and small business owners. Hazarika underscores the state's commitment to good governance and inclusive development, emphasizing humane solutions for addressing human concerns.

In today's world, where people are more connected than ever, the government is taking measures to ensure that the people's grievances are addressed. With this in mind, the Himachal Pradesh government launched the <a href="https://cmsankalp.hp.gov.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mukhya Mantri Seva Sankalp Helpline</a> (MMSS) on September 16, 2019. The state's centralised grievance redressal system aims to provide citizens with a platform to register their complaints and resolve them promptly and efficiently.
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The MMSS Helpline has a dedicated call centre with 47 seats and a toll-free number (1100) that people can call to register their complaints. It also has a single grievance registration and tracking system, meaning citizens can track their complaints' status at any time. Moreover, the complaint gets closed only after citizen consent, ensuring transparency and accountability.
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The system takes complaints and suggestions through various channels, including call centers, paper trails, emails, mobile apps, and a portal. This bottom-up approach ensures citizens' time is saved and their grievances are addressed quickly.
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Since its launch, MMSS has proven to be a game-changer in grievance redressal. According to the data, a total of 513,818 complaints were registered on the platform as of April 2023. Out of these, 358,594 complaints have been closed satisfactorily, which is a remarkable 70% resolution rate. 
The satisfaction rate has shown an upward trend, starting at 56% in January 2020 and reaching 70% in April 2023. This is a testament to the effectiveness of the system and the government's commitment to addressing citizens' grievances.
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When looking at the departments that received the most complaints, the Jal Shakti Vibhag received the most with 139,593 complaints, followed by the Police Department with 52,692 complaints, and the Public Works Department with 48,743 complaints. Other departments that received many complaints include HPSEBL, Revenue Department, Rural Development Department, Panchayati Raj Department, and Himachal Road Transport Corporation.
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The complaints received by MMSS covered a wide range of issues. The top complaints were regarding irregular and non-supply water (102,210), electricity complaints (33,662), and complaints related to F.I.R. (23,291). Other complaints included road repair, encroachment on government land, new water and sewerage connections, MGNAREGA, and leakage of water pipes.
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The data also showed that of the top complaints, irregular and non-supply of water received the highest satisfactory closure rate at 80%. This was followed by electricity complaints at 87% and complaints related to F.I.R at 75%.
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The MMSS Helpline is crucial in addressing citizens' grievances and providing timely resolutions. The platform's success is due to its strong IT backbone, constant review and monitoring at every level of the government, and authenticity supported by keeping a record of all phone calls made, which allows for ascertaining any complaint, satisfaction, feedback, etc.
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In conclusion, the Mukhya Mantri Seva Sankalp Helpline has proven to be an essential tool in providing citizens with a platform to register their grievances and resolve them quickly and efficiently. The government's commitment to addressing citizens' grievances and the platform's effectiveness has led to a high satisfaction rate and an increase in citizens' trust in the government's ability to solve their problems.
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Access the complete animated visualisation to check on the monthly average days for resolution for different complaint types in each district. Here is the link to it : <a href="https://public.flourish.studio/visualisation/13714532/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mukhyamantri Seva Sankalp</a>

Mukhya Mantri Seva Sankalp Helpline: A Game-Changer in Grievance Redressal

Mukhya Mantri Seva Sankalp Helpline has proven to be an essential tool in providing citizens with a platform to register their grievances and resolve them quickly and efficiently. The government's commitment to addressing citizens' grievances and the platform's effectiveness has led to a high satisfaction rate and an increase in citizens' trust in the government's ability to solve their problems. Read more about it in this article

The Mukhya Mantri Seva Sankalp Helpline (MMSS), launched by the Himachal Pradesh government on September 16, 2019, has revolutionized grievance redressal, boasting a 70% resolution rate out of 513,818 registered complaints as of April 2023. With a dedicated call centre and a toll-free number (1100), citizens can conveniently register complaints and track their status. Notably, closure requires citizen consent, ensuring transparency. Departments like Jal Shakti Vibhag and Police top the list of most complaints, covering issues from water supply to electricity. MMSS's success is attributed to robust IT infrastructure, constant monitoring, and authenticity, enhancing citizens' trust in government responsiveness.

Himachal Budget at a Glance for 2023-24

Focusing on the state's finances outlays a framework for its prospects and policy priorities and augments long-term planning. Himachal Government presented a ₹51036 crore budget in 2023. Click to read more about it.

The Himachal Pradesh budget of ₹51,036 crore in 2023 aids financial management, resource allocation, and policy implementation, focusing on economic stability and social welfare. A surge in revenue expenditure with an emphasis on general services, education, and healthcare reflects government priorities. Per capita expenditure growth signals commitment to societal needs and development goals. A balanced revenue mix from grants, taxes, and debt ensures fiscal stability. While capital expenditure declines, increased spending on social services underscores the state's developmental focus. Education, civil services, and other key sectors receive significant allocations, aiding growth and revival from pandemic challenges.

Himachal Pradesh's Model Eco-Village Scheme has become a beacon of hope for sustainable rural development in India. The initiative aims to promote social, economic, and environmental sustainability in rural areas through a participatory approach that engages communities in decision-making and implementation. The scheme has successfully improved the quality of life of villagers, reduced poverty, and created opportunities for income generation.
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Here are some of the top villages that have emerged as success stories of the Model Eco-Village Scheme:
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1. Kaza: Located in the Spiti Valley, Kaza has become a model for sustainable tourism in the region. The village has set up homestays and community-based tourism activities that showcase local culture and traditions. The initiative has not only provided a source of income for villagers but also helped in the conservation of the fragile ecosystem of the Spiti Valley.
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2. Kuthera: Kuthera has become a model for organic farming and horticulture in the state. Villagers have switched to organic farming and have adopted sustainable practices such as crop rotation, intercropping, and composting. The village has also set up a market for organic produce, which has created a steady source of income for farmers.
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3. Malana: Malana is known for its ancient culture and traditions, and the village has successfully leveraged these to promote sustainable tourism. The village has set up a community-based tourism model that showcases local customs and traditions. The initiative has not only created a source of income for villagers but also helped in the preservation of the village's unique cultural heritage.
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4. Raison: Raison has emerged as a model for sustainable agriculture in the state. The village has adopted sustainable farming practices such as terrace farming, crop rotation, and organic farming. Villagers have also set up a market for local produce, which has created a steady source of income for farmers.
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5. Rakchham: Rakchham has become a model for sustainable livestock management in the state. Villagers have adopted sustainable practices such as grazing management, breed improvement, and veterinary care. The initiative has not only improved the health of livestock but also provided a source of income for villagers.
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The success of these villages is a testament to the effectiveness of the Model Eco-Village Scheme in promoting sustainable rural development. The initiative has not only improved the quality of life of villagers but also helped in the conservation of the state's fragile ecosystem. With continued support from the government and other stakeholders, the Model Eco-Village Scheme has the potential to transform rural areas in Himachal Pradesh and serve as a model for sustainable rural development in India.

Model Eco-Village Scheme in Himachal Pradesh: Top Villages and Success Stories

Discover how Himachal Pradesh's Model Eco-Village Scheme has transformed rural villages into sustainable and eco-friendly communities. This article highlights the top villages and their success stories, showcasing how the scheme has revitalized local economies, improved living conditions, and promoted environmental conservation. From creating alternative livelihood opportunities to implementing waste management systems, these villages serve as models for sustainable development. Read on to learn more about the innovative solutions that have led to the success of this scheme and how it is contributing to the larger goal of achieving a sustainable future.


Himachal Pradesh's Model Eco-Village Scheme epitomizes sustainable rural development in India, fostering social, economic, and environmental sustainability through community engagement. Villages like Kaza, Kuthera, Malana, Raison, and Rakchham showcase remarkable success stories. Kaza leads in sustainable tourism, preserving local culture while conserving Spiti Valley's ecosystem. Kuthera excels in organic farming, creating a robust market for organic produce. Malana leverages its heritage for sustainable tourism, preserving customs while boosting income. Raison thrives in sustainable agriculture, with terrace farming and organic practices. Rakchham excels in livestock management, ensuring health and income for villagers. These villages underscore the scheme's efficacy, enhancing lives while safeguarding Himachal's ecosystem, poised to inspire nationwide rural sustainability with sustained government and stakeholder backing.

An Analysis of Schools and Students in Himachal Pradesh 

Education is an essential aspect of development, and the government of Himachal Pradesh has made significant efforts to improve access to education in the state. In this data story post, we will analyse the data on schools and students in Himachal Pradesh to understand the distribution, availability, and education enrollment at the village level.

The government of Himachal Pradesh has prioritized education, aiming to enhance accessibility across the state. Analyzing school and student data offers insights into distribution and enrollment at the village level. With 14,279 schools, including 9,173 primary, 1,783 middle, and 3,323 high schools, the majority are co-educational, concentrated in rural areas (12,301). Top blocks like Nurpur and Nadaun boast the highest number of schools, while Yangthang-Kinnaur and Bamsan have the lowest. Notably, 73% of students are enrolled in rural schools. Despite this, there's a significant disparity in school density, with some blocks having high concentrations, primarily in Kangra, and others, notably in Chamba and Kinnaur, with sparse resources. This discrepancy underscores the imperative for equitable educational access and continued investment in Himachal Pradesh's educational infrastructure, particularly in remote areas.

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Himachal Pradesh has long been considered the power hub of India due to its abundant hydroelectric potential. As of January 2023, the state has commissioned 172 hydroelectric power projects with a capacity of 11,149.58 MW. The state government is actively harnessing its remaining potential of 13,416.6 MW, which is yet to be allotted or is under various stages of clearance and investigation.
The data above shows a detailed overview of the status of hydroelectric power projects in Himachal Pradesh. The projects are divided into five categories: Himurja, HPSEBL, HPPCL, Central &amp; Joint, and Private. Out of these categories, the Central &amp; Joint category has the highest number of projects, with 26 projects having a total capacity of 11,688.73 MW.
The HPSEBL category has the highest commissioned capacity of 489.35 MW, and one project under construction with a capacity of 100 MW. The HPPCL category has three commissioned projects with a capacity of 276 MW and two projects under construction with a capacity of 580 MW. Private hydroelectric projects have the highest allotted capacity of 6,649.91 MW, out of which 33 projects are above 5 MW and have a capacity of 2,427.61 MW, and 92 projects are up to 5 MW and have a capacity of 339.25 MW.
The state government is actively engaging with the private sector to harness its remaining potential, which stands at 13,416.6 MW. The private sector has been allotted 138 projects with a total capacity of 6,649.91 MW, out of which 13 projects are under construction with a capacity of 580.8 MW. The government is also exploring various options for the development of large projects such as the Kishau Dam, which has a potential of 660 MW and Himachal Pradesh's share in it is 324 MW.
The government's focus on the power sector has led to Himachal Pradesh's ranking as one of the top-performing states in the country. With the state's abundant hydroelectric potential and government's active involvement, Himachal Pradesh is well on its way to becoming a power hub of the nation.
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Status of Hydroelectric Power Projects in Himachal Pradesh: An Overview

Interesting facts about the Hydroelectric Power in the state of Himachal Pradesh, which is on its way towards Renewable Energy!

Himachal Pradesh's hydroelectric prowess is unmatched, with 172 commissioned projects generating 11,149.58 MW by January 2023. Yet, 13,416.6 MW awaits allocation or clearance, signaling untapped potential. Categorized into Himurja, HPSEBL, HPPCL, Central & Joint, and Private sectors, the bulk lies in Central & Joint ventures, boasting 11,688.73 MW across 26 projects. HPSEBL leads in commissioned capacity (489.35 MW), with one project (100 MW) under construction. HPPCL follows, with three commissioned (276 MW) and two under construction (580 MW) projects. Privately-owned ventures hold promise, with an allotted 6,649.91 MW capacity. The government's proactive stance aims to fully utilize this potential, propelling Himachal Pradesh as India's power nucleus.

Introduction:&nbsp;
The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) is a crop insurance scheme launched by the Government of India in 2016 to provide insurance coverage to farmers against crop loss due to natural calamities, pests, and diseases. The scheme aims to reduce the economic distress of farmers by providing them with financial support in case of crop loss. In Himachal Pradesh, the scheme is being implemented by the Agriculture Insurance Company of India (AIC) on behalf of the government. The dataset provides information on the area insured, sum insured, and claims paid under the PMFBY scheme in Himachal Pradesh.&nbsp;
&nbsp;Area Insured:&nbsp;
The dataset shows that a total of 1,739,068 hectares of crop area were insured in Himachal Pradesh under the PMFBY scheme between 2016-17 and 2020-21. The district of Hamirpur had the highest area insured, accounting for 25.48% of the total area insured in the state, followed by Kangra (22.15%) and Una (17.14%). The trend in the area insured under the PMFBY scheme in Himachal Pradesh shows a decrease over the years. In 2016-17, a total of 452,138 hectares of crop area were insured, which decreased to 340,171 hectares in 2020-21, a decrease of 24.71%. This indicates a need for greater awareness among farmers about the benefits of the PMFBY scheme.&nbsp;
&nbsp;Sum Insured:&nbsp;
The sum insured under the PMFBY scheme in Himachal Pradesh increased from Rs. 4,428.81 crores in 2016-17 to Rs. 7,879.33 crores in 2019-20, before decreasing to Rs. 6,607.15 crores in 2020-21. The district of Hamirpur had the highest sum insured, accounting for 22.65% of the total sum insured in the state, followed by Kangra (21.55%) and Una (15.12%).&nbsp;
Claims Paid:&nbsp;
The claims paid under the PMFBY scheme in Himachal Pradesh increased from Rs. 105.12 crores in 2016-17 to Rs. 233.60 crores in 2019-20, before decreasing to Rs. 157.05 crores in 2020-21. The district of Hamirpur had the highest claims paid, accounting for 24.31% of the total claims paid in the state, followed by Kangra (22.83%) and Mandi (14.81%).&nbsp;
Ratio of Claims Paid to Sum Insured:&nbsp;
The ratio of claims paid to sum insured under the PMFBY scheme in Himachal Pradesh ranged from 1.73% in 2016-17 to 3.25% in 2018-19, before decreasing to 2.38% in 2019-20 and 2.38% in 2020-21. The district of Chamba had the highest ratio of claims paid to sum insured, with 3.94% in 2020-21, followed by Shimla (3.35%) and Kangra (2.88%).&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Conclusion: The analysis of the Himachal Pradesh PMFBY dataset highlights the performance of the scheme in the state. The scheme has shown promising results in some districts, but there is a need for greater awareness and participation among farmers in the less-performing districts. The top-performing district in terms of the ratio of claims paid to sum insured is Chamba, while the district of Hamirpur has the highest absolute sum insured and claims paid. The trend in the area insured shows a decrease over the years, indicating a need for greater awareness among farmers about the benefits of the scheme. Overall, the findings of this analysis can be useful for policymakers and insurance companies to make informed decisions and improve the effectiveness of the PMFBY scheme in Himachal Pradesh&nbsp;

Analysis of the Himachal Pradesh Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)

The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) is a crop insurance scheme launched by the Government of India in 2016 to provide insurance coverage to farmers against crop loss due to natural calamities, pests, and diseases. The scheme aims to reduce the economic distress of farmers by providing them with financial support in case of crop loss. In Himachal Pradesh, the scheme is being implemented by the Agriculture Insurance Company of India (AIC) on behalf of the government. The dataset provides information on the area insured, sum insured, and claims paid under the PMFBY scheme in Himachal Pradesh. 


The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) in Himachal Pradesh has insured 1,739,068 hectares of crop area from 2016-17 to 2020-21. Hamirpur leads in area insured (25.48%), followed by Kangra (22.15%) and Una (17.14%). However, there's a decreasing trend, from 452,138 hectares in 2016-17 to 340,171 hectares in 2020-21 (-24.71%), suggesting a need for more farmer awareness. Sum insured peaked at Rs. 7,879.33 crores in 2019-20 before declining to Rs. 6,607.15 crores in 2020-21. Hamirpur dominates here (22.65%). Claims paid rose to Rs. 233.60 crores in 2019-20 but fell to Rs. 157.05 crores in 2020-21. Hamirpur leads again (24.31%). The ratio of claims paid to sum insured fluctuated, with Chamba leading in 2020-21 (3.94%). This analysis underscores the scheme's mixed performance, advocating for improved farmer engagement and awareness to enhance its efficacy in Himachal Pradesh.

Nutritional Status of Children Under 5 Years of Age in Himachal Pradesh

The nutritional status of Children below five years is part of the National Family Health Survey. The blog presents the prevalence of nourishment issues in under-5 children in Himachal Pradesh.


Malnutrition among children under 5 years in Himachal Pradesh remains a concern, as highlighted by the NFHS-5 survey report. Stunting affects 30.8% of children, with some districts like Chamba and Bilaspur showing alarming rates. Wasting impacts 17% of children, with Solan, Mandi, and Kangra being most affected. Severely wasted children constitute 7%, notably high in Lahul and Spiti. Additionally, 26% of children are underweight, with Bilaspur recording the highest percentage. Obesity, affecting 5.7% of children, needs urgent attention, particularly in Chamba and Shimla. Addressing these issues through awareness programs and early intervention is crucial for improving child health and reducing mortality rates. The NFHS-5 survey report provides valuable insights for informed policymaking and targeted interventions to enhance child well-being in Himachal Pradesh.

For ages, the magnificent Indian Himalayan Mountains have attracted environmentalists, geologists, trekkers, tourists, and yogis with their diversified flora and fauna, landforms, landscape, and consecrated associations. However, there is lesser-known information on the fiercely changing climate conditions, their intertwined effects on rural-poor livelihoods and changing cropping patterns as a continuous response to adaptations.
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&nbsp;Almost 35 years ago, Apple was the mainstay for the rural economy of this region, bringing 80% of the average household income from 50% of private lands. Through the 1980s, the farmers of these regions survived and swelled their income with a two-pronged agricultural strategy that moved around producing apples and subsistence crops. However, in more recent years, the farmers in Indian Himalayas reached a sullen, destitute state in a desperate attempt to survive and adapt to the gradually rising temperature in the winter months, along with irregular patterns of snowfall that wilt their harvest <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/ac22bf">[Fisher et al., 2021]</a>
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How Did the Apples Disappear?&nbsp;
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During 2016-17, India produced 2.26 <a href="https://agricoop.gov.in/sites/default/files/agristatglance2018.pdf">million tonnes</a>&nbsp;of apples and exported 22550 tonnes <a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1580147">worth $9.4 million</a>.&nbsp;Himachal Pradesh has the second-highest (41%) apple acreage in India (61,945 hectares). The districts of Shimla, 51% and Kullu, 35%, cover 86% of apple orchards in this state. Apple, considered this region's main cash crop, requires freezing temperatures (0-7 degrees) for a certain period. With increasingly severe and unpredictable weather, the crops are missing their required frosty hours for blooming for the fruit to rip. Irregular snowfall has put the orchards and subsistence crops under pest attacks and severe climate risk. In Himachal Pradesh, only two per cent of the apple cultivators hold extensive farmlands (of greater than 10 hectares land-size) with a total of 1076 hectares. The remaining land belongs to marginal (36%), small (25%), semi-medium (24%), and medium (13%) category farmers. Some of them shifted their croplands to a higher altitude, and most have abandoned apples for alternative cash crops slowly and conscientiously.&nbsp;
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Adjust, Adapt and Thrive - The Success Story of Lower Kullu Valley
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Complex adaptive systems have seen more frequent applications to assess susceptibility to climate change in geography and environmental sciences. These adaptation techniques are built on the causal factors for systemic change, behaviours, and feedback mechanisms [Naylor et al.]. &ldquo;Through this study, the researchers <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/ac22bf">[Fisher et al., 2021]</a> proclaim the idea of self-organised adaptation with the assistance of public support systems, which, in turn, can transform the production and complex livelihood systems in rural Himalayan villages&rdquo;.&nbsp; This three-dimensional perspective to facilitate transformative change poses challenges because of the unpredictability of future conditions, vastly differentiated needs, and path-dependent transformations.
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The agricultural food systems are diverse and complex. &nbsp;This research records agricultural transformations from the last twenty years in the lower middle Himalayas with successful long-term instances of Lower Kullu Valley. During the early 1990s, after several years of bad produce and sunk-cost distress, the farmers moved away from apple farming. On one hand, apple production declined, and on the other, 46 varieties of new cash crops were introduced. The emerging and diverse crop basket disaggregated the farmers in different 'agricultural profiles' distributed across the time dimensions. These 'agricultural profiles' are built on a diversified crop basket or a more focused portfolio of fruit, vegetables, and food grains. The households of this region are clustered based on their cropping choices. Today, apple croplands have reduced to a negligible proportion, yet the farmers thrive in this region. The crop portfolio of the farmers in this place remains remarkably diverse, ultimately enabling them to hedge between constraints and opportunities. Surprisingly, the outcomes of the shift in cropping patterns took their natural course and happened without any external catalyst- the state's influence on climate adaptation projects/ policy.
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So, how did an adaptive system take place automatically?
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To understand the recourse of self-organised adaptations, we should look beyond the cluster of people. Then, move forward with the household-level responses to climate change, which happened through continuous innovations and experiments by diversifying crop portfolios and with the help of a strong support system.
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How did 'agricultural profiling' lead to unfolding local adaptation trajectories?&nbsp;
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All five categories of crops &ndash; fruit, vegetable, seeds, subsistence food grains and others, bear different risks, thus requiring different operational inputs over a varied period. Also, the lock-in time differs with the nature of investments and across different crop categories. Fruit trees demand long-term investments; vegetable crops need seasonal cash inflow and sufficient irrigation; seed crops are cultivated through buy-back agreements with seed companies. At the same time, the food crops are produced for subsistence consumption. The agricultural households in lower Kullu Valley have diversified their crop baskets through agricultural profiling and represent a strong cluster formation.
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Revenue Generating Assets Play Pivotal Role in Decision Making
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The authors find a strong association between farmers&rsquo; productive assets and agricultural strategy. When the farmers produce subsistence food grains &ndash; for example- there is a possibility of having limited access to irrigation and land. Still, those with limited land and ample access to irrigation tend to invest in vegetables. Even if there are historical social inequalities with lower castes, farmers manage intensive vegetation when landholdings are comparatively lesser. Large farmers tend to invest in fruit production that requires long-term and highest investments.&nbsp;
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The second piece of evidence finds the households&rsquo; position in the village from which they seek farming-related information integrates them on any aspect- from crop choice to pest control and gives predictive choices of cluster membership. Greater centrality in the network happens when the diversified profile of vegetable farmers correlates with knowledge exchange to maintain their profile. Most importantly, the diverse social connection between profiles indicates that the farmers have access to the information even for the crops that they do not grow, which, in turn, helps them to strategise and pick the best-case scenarios on the gamut of changing climate.&nbsp;
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The third piece of evidence shows the interaction networks between the state institutions and farmers. They gain access to support and create the most extraordinarily diversified information for further dissemination within the village network. Subsistence food producers &ndash; for example &ndash; tend to be close to the Agricultural Department, the vegetable farmers with the Block Development Office and the Elected Village Government for subsidies, farm inputs, equipment, or irrigation.&nbsp;Over five decades, the state institutions have opened knowledge, resources, infrastructure, and other supports.
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Until this point, the farmers choose to experiment with their crop portfolios and make the best use of the information and support available through state interventions, thus leading to effective self-organised adaptation.&nbsp;
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In conclusion, with the help of network interactions, their analysis establishes a set of local social relationships where information gained by the farmers and responses are exchanged. They further on how transformation complements the state interventions over half a century, interplay with local social interactions and empowers individual decision-making with practicality and resourcefulness. These interventions, in turn, play substantial roles in policymaking and in transpiring the processes of self-organised adaptions.&nbsp;&nbsp;
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Author's Bio
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Amrita is the project lead of the India Data Portal at the Bharti Institute of Public Policy at the Indian School of Business. Over a decade-long academic association with ISB has exposed her to diverse Finance and Public Policy areas

Climate Change!  A Cliché for Apple Farmers When Winter Came Late in Kullu Valley

Discover the inspiring success story of apple farmers in the Indian Himalayan Mountains who have transformed their livelihoods by adapting to the changing climate. With the help of public support systems and their own innovation, these farmers have diversified their crops and created "agricultural profiles" to thrive in the face of challenges. This article highlights the crucial role of rural institutions and social networks in promoting self-organized adaptation to climate change.


The Indian Himalayan Mountains, renowned for their natural beauty, face climate change challenges impacting rural livelihoods and cropping patterns. Historically, apple farming sustained the region, but rising temperatures and irregular snowfall led to dwindling yields. In response, farmers diversified crops, notably in the Lower Kullu Valley, adapting to climate shifts independently. This self-organized adaptation, shaped by household-level innovations and support systems, fostered a diverse crop portfolio. Factors like asset ownership and social networks influenced farming decisions, highlighting the role of local interactions and state interventions in fostering resilient agricultural practices. These insights inform policymaking for sustainable adaptation in the face of climate change.

Himachal Pradesh, a state in northern India known for its scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage, has been striving towards achieving sustainable development goals. In line with this, the World Bank provided a Development Policy Loan (DPL) to promote inclusive green growth and sustainable development in the state. The loan was aimed at supporting Himachal Pradesh's efforts towards reducing poverty, promoting inclusive growth, and achieving environmental sustainability. Let us take a look at the various aspects of the project and its achievements.
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1. Promoting Inclusive Growth: The DPL focused on promoting inclusive growth in the state by investing in social sectors such as education, health, and social protection. Under the project, 1.7 million people received access to better health care services, and over 1.5 million students received quality education. Additionally, around 11,000 households were provided with social security pensions.
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2. Environmental Sustainability: The DPL aimed at promoting environmental sustainability in Himachal Pradesh by investing in clean energy and sustainable forest management. As a result, around 100,000 households were provided with clean energy solutions such as solar home lighting systems and improved cookstoves. Furthermore, the project supported the state's efforts towards sustainable forest management by promoting afforestation, preventing forest fires, and improving forest cover.
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3. Strengthening Institutions: The project focused on strengthening institutions in the state by improving the capacity of state-level institutions, promoting transparency, and enhancing public service delivery. The project supported the state's efforts towards digitization by providing e-governance solutions and promoting digital literacy. As a result, the state has seen significant progress towards achieving a more efficient and effective public service delivery system.
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4. Building Resilience: The DPL aimed at building resilience in the state by investing in disaster risk management and climate change adaptation. As a result, the project supported the state's efforts towards strengthening its disaster management infrastructure, improving early warning systems, and enhancing the capacity of communities to cope with disasters. Additionally, the project supported the state's efforts towards climate change adaptation by promoting sustainable agricultural practices, enhancing water management, and improving access to weather information.
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Overall, the Development Policy Loan to Promote Inclusive Green Growth and Sustainable Development in Himachal Pradesh has been a success. The loan has supported the state's efforts towards achieving sustainable development goals by promoting inclusive growth, environmental sustainability, strengthening institutions, and building resilience. The engagement between the government of Himachal Pradesh and the World Bank has been significant in achieving these goals. The project has provided a platform for the government to implement its development policies, and the World Bank has provided the necessary financial support and technical assistance to make it a success.

Development Policy Loan to Promote Inclusive Green Growth and Sustainable Development in Himachal Pradesh: A Look at its Various Aspects and Achievements

Let's delve into the details of the World Bank's Development Policy Loan to Himachal Pradesh and its contribution to promoting inclusive green growth and sustainable development in the state. We highlight the project's focus on horticulture, renewable energy, and sustainable tourism and its positive impact on the state's economy and environment.


The World Bank's Development Policy Loan (DPL) in Himachal Pradesh has facilitated significant strides towards sustainable development goals. Focused on inclusive growth, the project provided access to healthcare, education, and social security for millions. Environmental sustainability efforts included clean energy solutions for households and forest management initiatives. Strengthening institutions involved digitization and transparency measures, enhancing public service delivery. Disaster risk management and climate change adaptation bolstered resilience, improving infrastructure and community capacity. This collaboration between the state and the World Bank has paved the way for a more sustainable and resilient future in Himachal Pradesh, marking a notable success in development efforts.

In contemporary times, Climate Change has seen a deserved emergence in governments and institutions globally prioritising the importance of conservation efforts for climate sensitisation. To this effect, the importance towards climate sensitivity has always been a pre-requisite of the state of Himachal Pradesh. This has been evident across governments, irrespective of their political affiliation, prioritising ecological sustainability of the state to safeguard and improve environmental characteristics.
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Effect on Environmental Footprint vis-&agrave;-vis Economic Growth
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<td style="width: 39.2939%;"><img src="https://content.himdataportal.com/assets/e3089e01-ac25-44b6-aae8-7973012f8a25?width=3000&amp;height=3000" alt="Beautiful Nature Landscape With River Vegetation Min (1)" /></td>
<td style="width: 60.7061%; text-align: justify;">With rapid urbanisation through tourism enhancement and the subsequent establishment of infrastructure to support said tourism, the state of Himachal Pradesh has been changing its environmental footprint to cater to economy-oriented tourism demands. This is just a branch of the changes that the erstwhile and current state governments have focused on to elevate the Himalayan ecological system. Citizen livelihood practices are broadly centred around agriculture, horticulture, forestry, hydro-power generation, and power. While these bolster the employability quotient of the state and generate revenue, they also inadvertently affect the state's climate-sensitive and natural resource-based conditions due to its strategic location in the Himalayas. Since immemorial, Himachal Pradesh has been understood as a state replete with natural resource endowments distinct from other states. To safeguard existing resource endowments, it was imperative for state governments in the past and present to ensure development based on sustainable systems.</td>
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Early Warning Systems: Climate Crisis and Rainfall-induced Flooding
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During the month of July 2023, the occurrence of flash floods resulting from continuous heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh incurred unprecedented levels of damage to infrastructure, road networks and connectivity, ecology in the state and most importantly, a threat to human life. The state grappled to contain the effects of the undeterred flow of the Sutlej and Beas rivers that flow through it. &nbsp;Several environmental scholars opined that owing to the nature of the Himalayan ranges, loss of forest cover and the urban developmental projects that increase the infrastructural expanse within the state, the region saw anomalous flash floods that caused havoc and structural damage that was never seen before across similar instances in the past decade.
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In recent times, the economic loss caused by extreme weather occurrences and changing patterns of climate change effects have had natural disasters as their primary cause. After the recent environmental havoc caused by record-breaking floods in Himachal Pradesh, practitioners across all policy levels have identified policy implementation lacunae and early warning procedures of disaster management systems triggered by ecological change. The Council for Environment, Energy and Water (CEEW), a leading not-for-profit policy think tank based in India, <a href="https://www.ceew.in/publications/strengthening-india%E2%80%99s-disaster-preparedness-technology-case-effective-early-warning">published a report</a> ranking Indian states based on their exposure to floods and their resilience through flood Early Warning Systems (EWS). Himachal Pradesh ranked 10 (with the lowest states/UTs being 19), scoring a 0.62 on its ranking scale with a &lsquo;High&rsquo; propensity of exposure to floods and a &lsquo;Moderate&rsquo; level of resilience to floods.&nbsp;
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The report states that as the effects of climate change worsen, experts, practitioners, policymakers, and environmentalists are beginning to emphasise the need for end-to-end, people-centred, and multi-hazard early warning systems (MHEWS) rather than just timely and accurate early warnings. With a focus on the bottom-the-top approach, people-centred functioning procedures consider the perspectives of impacted communities when creating EWS, mostly emphasising the lived experiences of vulnerable communities that are majorly impacted by environmental disasters caused by climate change.
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<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://content.himdataportal.com/assets/46a95dbf-3b44-4847-b41c-7b72c82f9332?width=602&amp;height=599" alt="Q1" />
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Figure 1: <a href="https://www.ceew.in/publications/strengthening-india%E2%80%99s-disaster-preparedness-technology-case-effective-early-warning">Ranking of Indian states based on their flood exposure and resilience through Early Warning Systems, Wadhawan (Shreya. 2023).</a> Strengthening India&rsquo;s Disaster Preparedness with Technology: A Case for Effective Early Warning Systems. New Delhi: Council on Energy, Environment and Water, Page 28
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Additionally, the comparative analysis in the report showed that Assam, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, and Sikkim were the best-performing states despite having high exposure. States with the lowest availability of flood EWS included Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana. Within the context of Himachal Pradesh, this brings us to the foray of understanding the cause of extended and erratic rainfall as a form of aggravated response to the lack of simultaneous environmental oversight along with keeping in check related factors about the topography of the Himalayan landscape and the movement of monsoon currents in the Indian subcontinent.
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The <a href="https://www.c2es.org/content/climate-resilience-overview/#:~:text=Climate%20resilience%20is%20the%20ability,better%20cope%20with%20these%20risks.">Center for Climate and Energy Solutions</a> emphasises how improving climate resilience involves the engagement of risk-information systems, stating that &lsquo;Climate resilience is the ability to anticipate, prepare for, and respond to hazardous events, trends, or disturbances related to climate and improving climate resilience involves assessing how climate change will create new, or alter current, climate-related risks, and taking steps to better cope with these risks.&rsquo;
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Current Scope of Environmental Sustainability in Himachal Pradesh
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Himachal Pradesh has been focusing on increasing its stronghold over sustainable practices to ensure ecological balance in the state. Himachal Pradesh's State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC) is the state's all-round comprehensive response to the problems brought on by climate change. Several policies, initiatives, and programmes are outlined in the SAPCC to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, advance sustainable development, and strengthen the state's ability to withstand the effects of climate change. This demonstrates the state&rsquo;s importance towards precautionary steps towards climate change-induced disaster mitigation. Even so, there seems to be a need to establish disaster-risk management and reduction systems in place through sustainable brackets of all-round development. However, with the state&rsquo;s dedicated progress towards sustainable practises of ecological protection combined with contemporary and pre-emptive measures in place, it is steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding its citizens and its ecosystems through sustainable, climate-resilient, and proactive environmental security.
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Author Bio- Hailing from Guwahati, Assam, Murchana Hazarika works as a Teaching Associate and analyst at the Bharti Institute of Public Policy, Indian School of Business. Within academic research, Murchana's interests range within the domains of Public Policy in Global Mental Health Legislation, Primary and Secondary Education in India, Gender Legislation, Climate Change and Urban Policy processes in the country. A Political Science honours undergraduate from the University of Delhi, Murchana is a professional Indian Classical and Folk Dance artiste and an avid advocator of mental health awareness, gender sensitisation inclusivity and the performing arts.

Environmental Resilience: Insights into Flood Management in Himachal Pradesh

In contemporary times, Climate Change has seen a deserved emergence in governments...


In contemporary Himachal Pradesh, climate sensitivity has been a consistent priority across various governments, acknowledging the state's ecological significance. With a growing economy driven by tourism, the state faces a shift in its environmental footprint to accommodate infrastructure demands. Recent flash floods in July 2023 highlighted vulnerabilities exacerbated by urbanization and forest loss. Himachal Pradesh ranked moderately resilient to floods, indicating a need for robust early warning systems. Despite strides in sustainable practices, further efforts are required to bolster disaster risk management. Nonetheless, the state remains committed to proactive environmental security, evident in its comprehensive State Action Plan on Climate Change. Murchana Hazarika, from Assam, contributes to this discourse as an analyst and advocate for sustainable policies.

Sagnik Banerjee
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Tourism contributes 7% of Himachal&rsquo;s GDP; in 2021-22, the state earned a whopping <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/amid-tourist-boom-in-himachal-hptdc-turns-a-5-82-crore-profit-in-two-months-101656511797279.html">INR 11,000 crore from the tourism sector</a> alone. Therefore, the state must facilitate the tourists with the ease of transport. Many scholars have pointed out that transport-related challenges remain a constraint in attracting &lsquo;high-end tourists&rsquo;, who might avoid travelling due to inconvenient modes. It is true that the state mostly receives tourists who come for a few days to explore one or two geographically proximate places among the many attractions Himachal Pradesh offers. Moreover, the tourism industry will flourish further if the tourists are offered better transportation, especially between the popular tourist attractions. Himachal Pradesh ranks way above the list of states that welcome foreign tourists in large numbers, besides Kerala, Uttarakhand and Rajasthan. In 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic, the estimated number of foreign tourists was 382876 and in 2022, when the industry picked up, 29,333 <a href="https://himachaltourism.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Tourist-Arrival-file.pdf">tourists had visited Himachal Pradesh</a>.
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Bus transportation not only eases the mobility of tourists but also ensures better livelihood for people. A better transport system will also facilitate the people of Himachal with better access to healthcare facilities, education, and employment.
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How Himachal Government is planning to address the issue
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Himachal made a lot of progress in bus service over the decades. It has improved its connectivity through the remote tribal districts of the state. It even runs successful services from far-flung areas &ndash;from Kashmir to New Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, and Chandigarh. The new government addresses the issue with immediate attention. 2012-13, during the 12th Five-Year Plan, the Himachal Government procured 1,500 buses to replace the old vehicles. <a href="https://www.teriin.org/projects/green/pdf/HP-Transport.pdf">A report on the &lsquo;Green Growth and Transport&rsquo; of the state</a>, submitted to the Department of Environment, Government of Himachal Pradesh, noted that &ldquo;the total number of light motor vehicles carrying passengers in the state has increased by more than 61 % in the last five years from 2007 to 2012. In the absence of adequate public transport services, the dependency on personalised modes has also increased over time in cities in HP, bringing along problems of congestion, rising pollution levels, and others.&rdquo;
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In a historic move, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu promised to turn Himachal into a &lsquo;green State&rsquo; when he announced the Green Budget earlier this year while promoting tourism and e-bus services. In the historic budget, there was an added emphasis on &lsquo;green corridor for electric buses.&rsquo; The CM also emphasised turning HP into a &lsquo;Green Energy state&rsquo; and allocated INR 1000 crore to buy electric buses to replace the 1500 old diesel buses. While applauding the decision, scholar and ex-deputy-mayor of Shimla <a href="https://www.newsclick.in/himachal-budget-2023-24-can-it-bring-desired-changes">Tikender Singh Panwar</a> has pointed out in his article, &ldquo;This is a good decision. But there must be a vision visualising the mobility of people and goods in the state. There should be a comprehensive mobility plan for at least some of the major towns and cities in the state.&rdquo;
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Green Transformation: Himachal's Sustainable Transport Upgrade
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In addition to that, recently the Himachal Pradesh Government has collaborated with the <a href="https://sgarchitects.in/images/projects/public-transport/bus_hp.pdf">Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation (SSEF)</a> to support HRTC in improving its bus operations for an &ldquo;internal capacity building of the STUs which leads to an overall increase in ridership and improvement in the efficiency of the existing bus system.&rdquo; The HRTC management has delegated the work to upgrade the bus station to SSEF.
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Furthermore, in his drive to push the environmental agenda and make Himachal Pradesh a Green Economy by 2026, the chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has mandated that <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/himachal-pradesh-to-bring-reforms-to-make-hrtc-self-reliant-plans-to-introduce-75-new-e-buses-and-replace-225-diesel-buses-101684476578712.html">HRTC, in a phased manner, </a>should transit from diesel to electric buses. &ldquo;The current fleet already includes 95 e-buses, and this number will be further increased shortly,&rdquo; the CM said. Apart from that, the state also plans to purchase seventy-five Type-1-e-buses. Besides, the state plans to develop <a href="https://energy.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/power/himachal-govt-flags-off-20-new-e-buses-plans-to-replace-1500-hrtc-buses-in-phases/101138869">electric bus charging stations, which have been</a> set up in different parts of the state.
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As part of the Public-Private Partnership model, the Himachal government has set up the Himachal Pradesh City Transport and Bus Stands Management and Development Authority (HPCTBSMDA), which will work to build and develop infrastructure of the bus service facilities in the state. The primary objective of this project is to build an infrastructure that will attract more riders, thus improving the efficiency of the bus system in Himachal Pradesh. Through this collaboration, the HRTC plans to improve its bus stands, develop its terminals, and establish bus maintenance mechanisms and policy-level recommendations to address the gap in bus services.
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How will this help the state and its people?
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<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>This will help the state improve its public transport system and connectivity, which will allow people to access better health and other facilities.</li>
<li>Improving Bus services will also boost intra-state tourism and reduce travel time between districts.</li>
<li>This will help the state to limit the usage of private vehicles, which is one of the main reasons behind carbon emissions.</li>
<li>Improving bus services will attract riders and dissuade people from using their vehicles. This will also help manage traffic in major tourist destinations across the state.</li>
</ul>
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Recently, the state made several headlines when it opened five tunnels between Mandi and Kullu, which will bridge the distance between these districts and ease travel. The state government plans to open eleven more tunnels across the state and make several smart cities to facilitate people with better living standards, including making bus stations wifi-enabled. Such infrastructural improvement must complement an improved bus service between cities and districts that run more frequently.
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At a time when India is leading the G20 and talks on Green Energy are a hot topic, the Himalayan state of Himachal Pradesh is leading the country&rsquo;s energy transition drive. From budget allocation for buying new buses to building infrastructure, HP is paving the way for other states to follow the traits. The commendable work of the government in bringing different public and private enterprises to work on the project and paying attention to the overall upgradation of the public bus services must show positive results soon.
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Author&rsquo;s Bio: Sagnik Banerjee is a Teaching Assistant cum Analyst at the Bharti Institute of Public Policy at the Indian School of Business (ISB).

Himachal Pradesh's Green Transport Revolution: Enhancing Tourism and Sustainability

Tourism contributes 7% of Himachal’s GDP..


Tourism contributes significantly to Himachal Pradesh's economy, making efficient transport crucial. Challenges in transportation hinder attracting high-end tourists. With most visitors exploring nearby sites, improved transport between attractions is essential. The state, welcoming a large number of foreign tourists, aims to enhance bus services, benefiting both tourists and residents. The government's focus on transitioning to green transport, including electric buses, aligns with sustainability goals. Collaborations with organizations like SSEF aim to enhance bus operations. The Himachal Pradesh City Transport and Bus Stands Management and Development Authority will further improve infrastructure, benefiting health, tourism, and emissions reduction. Such initiatives complement infrastructural developments, showcasing Himachal's leadership in green energy transition.