Shimla, June 5, 2025 – Marking World Environment Day with a strong message of sustainability and environmental protection, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today flagged off a symbolic cycle run from Oak Over, Shimla. The initiative aimed to raise awareness about the urgent need to eliminate plastic pollution and inspire collective environmental responsibility across the state.
The green rally, organized jointly by the Department of Environment, Science, Technology & Climate Change and the Himachal Pradesh Council for Science, Technology & Environment (HIMCOSTE), saw enthusiastic participation from students, volunteers, home guard jawans, and citizens from all walks of life. Their unified presence underscored a growing public commitment to safeguarding Himachal’s natural environment.
On this occasion, CM Sukhu launched two flagship initiatives: the ‘Plastic Neutral Himachal – 2030’ awareness campaign and the ‘Clean Shimla Drive’. These initiatives are part of a broader state vision to gradually transition Himachal Pradesh into a plastic-neutral state within the next five years.
The Chief Minister administered a pledge to the gathering, urging all citizens to actively contribute to reducing and eventually eliminating the use of plastic. He emphasized that the protection of the environment is not just a policy goal but a deeply rooted part of Himachali culture and identity. The majestic landscapes and pristine beauty of the state, he said, define its uniqueness, and it is the shared duty of all residents to preserve them for future generations.
Addressing the gathering, CM Sukhu said that plastic pollution remains one of the most pressing challenges of the modern era, and that fighting it demands sustained efforts, behavioral changes, and community-driven action. He called for serious and consistent work across government departments, civil society, and the public to make the mission a reality.
Prominent dignitaries, including MLA Harish Janartha, Mayor Surinder Chauhan, Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap, Superintendent of Police Gaurav Singh, Director of Environment D.C. Rana, Municipal Commissioner Bhupender Atri, Additional Director Praveen Gupta, and Chief Scientist Dr. Suresh Atri were also present, reinforcing institutional support for the campaign.
As climate change and ecological imbalance continue to impact global health and economies, Himachal Pradesh’s leadership in launching such grassroots campaigns sets an example for the nation. The state’s strategic approach—blending public awareness, scientific guidance, and community participation—highlights a progressive model of sustainable development.
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