Environment master plan soon

Making a suo motu statement in the House, a day before conclusion of the winter session, Dhumal listed the steps already taken by the government to reduce carbon emissions and make Himachal Pradesh the first carbon-neutral state in the country.

8220;Climate change has emerged as a global challenge. We, in Himachal Pradesh, will be severely affected. Melting of the glaciers will have a direct impact on hydro-power projects, cropping pattern, forest wealth, tourism and water resources,8221; he claimed.

Dhumal said though the situation has thrown up a challenge, it8217;s an opportunity to take advantage of. Himachal8217;s mid-Himalayan watershed development project, funded by the World Bank, envisages raising new plantations in an area of 10,000 hectares, which will bring down emissions of greenhouse gases. People undertaking plantations will get carbon credits.

Dhumal quoted the views expressed by Dr Ravinder Nath, an international figure on climate change, who was in Shimla recently and had sounded an alarm about serious effects of melting glaciers and climate change in Himachal Pradesh.

More natural calamities, such as flash floods, droughts, rise in temperature and withering of fruit crops, are some of the signs cited by Nath.

The Chief Minister said the state government had recently set up an environment fund 8212;a new initiative to promote voluntary contribution of cess by vehicle users.

The money raised through this initiative will be utilised exclusively for environment protection and creating awareness among the people about adverse effects of climate change.

Dhumal also offered to act on any suggestions forwarded to him by members of the Assembly or citizens.