Himachal is set to benefit from Norwegian expertise, best practices and advanced technologies in the processing and recycling of construction and demolition waste following discussions between Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Norway’s Ambassador to India, May-Elin Stener, in Shimla on Tuesday.
The two leaders deliberated on a range of issues, including solid waste management and construction and demolition waste management in the state. During the meeting, the CM invited Norwegian companies to invest in Himachal, particularly in the tourism, green energy and geothermal sectors.
Sukhu said the state government is keen to collaborate with Norway and learn from its experience in areas such as circular economy and resource recovery, sustainable tourism and waste-free destinations, climate-resilient urban development, renewable energy, green transition, digital governance and smart cities. “Himachal and Norway share a common commitment to protecting nature while pursuing sustainable development. I am confident that this cooperation will lead to innovative solutions that benefit not only Himachal but also other hilly regions across the world,” he said.
The CM said Himachal aims to emerge as a leading Himalayan state in sustainable and environmentally responsible urban development.
“We invite Norwegian institutions, experts and technology providers to work closely with the state government and help develop innovative and scalable solutions that can be replicated across mountain regions,” he added.
Highlighting the state’s environmental initiatives, Sukhu said the government is vigorously promoting the adoption of electric vehicles as part of its conservation efforts.
He said Himachal has set a target of increasing its green cover from 29.5 per cent to 32 per cent with active participation from youth and other sections of society.
