Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], July 17 : Himachal Pradesh is already moving ahead with its green hydrogen programme and is well-positioned to emerge as a leader in clean energy, Principal Media Advisor to Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Naresh Chauhan, said on Friday while welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi's inauguration of India's first hydrogen-powered train in Haryana.
Speaking to ANI after a press conference in Shimla, Chauhan said the launch of the hydrogen train was a significant step towards India's clean energy transition but asserted that Himachal Pradesh had already initiated work on green hydrogen production.
"We welcome the Prime Minister's launch of the hydrogen-powered train. Hydrogen is the fuel of the future, and it is encouraging that India is moving in that direction. At the same time, Himachal Pradesh had already begun work on green hydrogen and had even submitted proposals for hydrogen production and pilot projects," Chauhan said.
He said the state government had explored the possibility of producing green hydrogen using Himachal Pradesh's abundant hydropower resources and had proposed its use, including on the Kalka-Shimla railway.
"The Chief Minister made it clear soon after assuming office that Himachal must move towards green hydrogen. We are a state blessed with clean hydropower and solar energy, making Himachal one of the best-suited states for green hydrogen production," Chauhan said.
Commenting on the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament, Chauhan said Parliament should function as a platform for meaningful debate where both the ruling party and the Opposition are heard.
"Democracy is strengthened when the voices of the Opposition 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.
On Ladakh-based climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, Chauhan urged the Centre to engage in dialogue instead of confrontation.
"Sonam Wangchuk has the support of people across the country. If he is raising concerns, the government should speak with him directly. His voice deserves to be heard rather than ignored," he said.
Referring to concerns over competitive examinations, Chauhan criticised the handling of the NEET examination process and said millions of students had faced uncertainty and disappointment.
He also accused the Union government of failing to adequately address issues relating to unemployment, inflation and concerns raised by the youth.
Criticising BJP Members of Parliament from Himachal Pradesh, Chauhan alleged that they had failed to effectively raise the state's concerns before the Centre, particularly during the devastating natural disaster of 2023.
"When Himachal faced its biggest natural disaster in 2023, we expected our MPs to raise the state's concerns strongly both inside and outside Parliament. Unfortunately, we did not see that level of representation," he said.
He further said the state deserved stronger support from the Centre on financial assistance and other issues affecting Himachal Pradesh.
Responding to the BJP's criticism of the Congress campaign over alleged irregularities in donations related to the Ram Temple, Chauhan said the Congress had deep respect for Lord Ram and was seeking transparency and accountability.
"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.
Chauhan called for an impartial investigation under the supervision of the Supreme Court into allegations surrounding the management of temple donations.
"The concerns of the people should not be ignored. Transparency and accountability are essential whenever public faith and public money are involved," he said.
He added that governments should remain responsive to public concerns and strengthen democratic institutions through dialogue, accountability and inclusive decision-making.
Chauhan said the state has also expanded super-speciality programmes and substantially increased nursing and paramedical training capacity to address shortages of skilled technical personnel.
Chauhan said the state has also expanded super-speciality programmes and substantially increased nursing and paramedical training capacity to address shortages of skilled technical personnel.
He said Himachal Pradesh is transforming its public healthcare system through advanced medical technology, strengthened rural infrastructure and expanded medical education under the leadership of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.
Speaking to ANI in Shimla, Chauhan said the state government had made healthcare one of its top priorities and was committed to delivering quality medical services closer to people's homes.
"Healthcare is the most important sector for any state and society. After assuming office, the Chief Minister decided that we must strengthen healthcare through technology, better services and improved infrastructure, particularly in rural areas," Chauhan said.
He said the government has installed robotic surgery systems at three government hospitals and introduced PET scan facilities at two locations, with one already operational and another set to become functional shortly.
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 healthcare institutions are receiving portable X-ray machines.
"The objective is to replace medical technology that had been in use for nearly two decades and provide world-class healthcare facilities in government hospitals," he said.
Chauhan 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 specialised treatment.
He said around 70 upgraded healthcare centres are being developed across the state, each equipped with specialist doctors, modern diagnostic facilities and adequate medical staff.
Highlighting recruitment efforts, Chauhan said the government has appointed 3,432 healthcare personnel, including doctors, super-specialists, nurses and technical staff, over the past three years.
He also said postgraduate medical education has expanded significantly, with 38 new PG seats added and the number of postgraduate students in government medical colleges now exceeding 600.