Naresh Chauhan, Principal Media Advisor to CM Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, said that Himachal Pradesh is already working on green hydrogen. He welcomed PM Modi’s hydrogen train and said that Himachal has the potential to become a leader in clean energy.
Himachal’s initiative on green hydrogen
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [भारत]July 17 (ANI): Naresh Chauhan, Principal Media Advisor to Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, on Friday said Himachal Pradesh is already moving ahead with its green hydrogen program and is well positioned to emerge as a leader in clean energy. He welcomed the inauguration of India’s first hydrogen-powered train by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Haryana.
Speaking to ANI after a press conference in Shimla, Chouhan said the launch of the hydrogen train was an important step towards India’s clean energy transition, but he stressed that Himachal Pradesh had already started work on green hydrogen production. Chouhan said, “We welcome the launch of the hydrogen-powered train by the Prime Minister. Hydrogen is the fuel of the future, and it is encouraging that India is moving in that direction. Also, Himachal Pradesh had already started work on green hydrogen and had also submitted proposals for hydrogen production and pilot projects.”
He said that the State Government had explored the possibility of producing green hydrogen by using the abundant hydropower resources of Himachal Pradesh and had proposed its use including on the Kalka-Shimla Railway. Chauhan said, “Soon after assuming office, the Chief Minister had made it clear that Himachal should move towards green hydrogen. We are a state endowed with clean hydropower and solar energy, which makes Himachal one of the most suitable states for green hydrogen production.”
Parliament session and voice of opposition
Commenting on the upcoming monsoon session, Chouhan said that Parliament should act as a platform for meaningful debate where both the ruling party and the opposition are heard. “Democracy is strengthened when opposition voices are respected. The government should listen to elected representatives across party lines and incorporate constructive suggestions. Parliament should not become a place where only the government’s voice prevails,” he said.
Criticism of central government policies
On Ladakh-based climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, Chouhan urged the Center to engage in dialogue instead of confrontation. He said, “Sonam Wangchuk has the support of people across the country. If he is raising concerns, the government should talk to him directly. His voice should be heard instead of ignored.”
Referring to concerns over competitive exams, Chouhan criticized the conduct of the NEET exam process and said lakhs of students have faced uncertainty and frustration. He also accused the central government of failing to adequately address unemployment, inflation and the issues raised by the youth.
Criticizing BJP MPs from Himachal Pradesh, Chouhan alleged that they failed to effectively raise the concerns of the state with the Center during the devastating natural disaster of 2023. He said, “When Himachal was facing its biggest natural disaster in 2023, we had expected our MPs to strongly raise the concerns of the state in and outside Parliament. Unfortunately, we did not see that level of representation.”
He further said that the state should have received stronger support from the Center on financial assistance and other issues affecting Himachal Pradesh.
Ram temple donation controversy
Responding to BJP’s criticism on the Congress campaign over alleged irregularities in donations related to the Ram temple, Chouhan said the Congress deeply respects Lord Ram and is demanding transparency and accountability. “The Congress does not need a certificate from the BJP on its faith in Lord Ram. If questions are being raised regarding donations or trust management, they should be answered transparently,” he said.
Chouhan demanded an impartial investigation under the supervision of the Supreme Court into the allegations related to the management of temple donations. “People’s concerns should not be ignored. Transparency and accountability are essential whenever public trust and public money are involved,” he said.
He said governments must remain responsive to public concerns and strengthen democratic institutions through dialogue, accountability and inclusive decision-making.
Expansion of health services in Himachal
Chouhan said the state has also expanded super-specialty programs and substantially increased nursing and paramedical training capacity to address the shortage of skilled technical personnel.
Chouhan said the state has also expanded super-specialty programs and substantially increased nursing and paramedical training capacity to address the shortage of skilled technical personnel. He said Himachal Pradesh is transforming its public health system through advanced medical technology, strong rural infrastructure and expanded medical education under the leadership of Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu.
Speaking to ANI in Shimla, Chouhan said the state government has made healthcare one of its top priorities and is committed to providing quality medical services close to people’s homes. “Healthcare is the most important sector for any state and society. After assuming office, the chief minister decided that we should strengthen healthcare through technology, better services and better infrastructure, especially in rural areas,” Chouhan said.
cutting edge medical technology
He said the government has installed robotic surgery systems in three government hospitals and started PET scan facilities at two places, one of which is already operational and the other is going to be operational soon. According to Chauhan, the state has also installed advanced 3-Tesla MRI machines, while eight additional hospitals are being equipped with 1.5-Tesla MRI systems. Digital mammography units are being installed at four locations, and 42 health institutions are getting portable X-ray machines. “The objective is to transform the medical technology that has been in use for almost two decades and provide world-class healthcare facilities in government hospitals,” he said.
Rural Health and Recruitment
Chouhan said the government is simultaneously strengthening healthcare delivery outside Shimla so that patients no longer have to travel to Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) for routine specialized treatment. He said that about 70 advanced health centers are being developed across the state, each of which is equipped with specialist doctors, modern diagnostic facilities and adequate medical staff.
Highlighting the recruitment efforts, Chouhan said the government has appointed 3,432 health workers, including doctors, super-specialists, nurses and technical staff, in the last three years. He also said that postgraduate medical education has expanded significantly, with 38 new PG seats added and the number of postgraduate students in government medical colleges now exceeds 600. (ANI)
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