Himachal gets environment award

Himachal Pradesh has been adjudged the best state in the country for environment protection and increase of green cover by a private news channel in partnership with a news magazine in a national-level survey. Former president APJ Abdul Kalam presented the 8216;Diamond State Award8217; to Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal at an impressive function held in New Delhi last night.

Himachal Pradesh, in the past eight months, has made a pioneering effort to become the country8217;s first carbon neutral state.The major initiatives taken include introducing technological interventions for reduction of greenhouse emissions in industrial, business, residential, automobile and energy sectors.

Dhumal said on the occasion: 8220;Himachal Pradesh strongly advocates local, regional and global action for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.8221;

Earlier, while participating in the discussions, Dhumal favoured the holding of Assembly and Parliamentary elections simultaneously in the country. 8220;Repeated elections have caused adverse impact on social and economic development and holding of various elections on different occasions diverts the attention of the government from real issues,8221; he added.