The Himachal Pradesh government on Tuesday approved involving private players to expand the EV charging station network along the state’s six green corridors to promote the use of electric vehicles and reduce reliance on fossil fuel vehicles.

Currently, 77 EV charging stations are already operational on these corridors.

Advertisement

The decision was taken by the state Cabinet in its meeting held here under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh.

It also approved the establishment of automated testing stations for vehicle fitness assessments, utilizing advanced automated equipment. The aim is to set up five such stations to better serve the residents of the state.

The Cabinet has decided to accept the recommendations of the Cabinet Sub-Committee, headed by Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, concerning the 450 MW Shongtong Karchham Power Project.

This includes the directive to the company to ensure project completion by the financial year 2026-27.

The Cabinet decided to transfer the administrative control of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) to the Additional Director General (Home Guards and Civil Defence) to enhance its effectiveness during disasters and emergencies.

It also approved the deputation of Home Guards to the SDRF for a maximum period of two years to ensure its smooth operation.

The Cabinet also approved the establishment of a new Police Post at Shinkula under the Keylong Police Station in Lahaul-Spiti district, along with the creation and filling of six posts in various categories.

The Cabinet approved the formation of a Cabinet Sub-Committee to review the operations of parking facilities run under the PPP model in Shimla City.

The committee will be chaired by Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, with Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh, Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh, and Town and Country Planning Minister Rajesh Dharamani as members, while

Shimla MLA Harish Janartha will serve as a special invitee.

The committee will review the operations of Lift Parking, Chhota Shimla Parking, Sanjauli Parking, New Bus Stand Parking, and Tutikandi Parking.

It also decided to amend the Eco-tourism Policy 2017 to align with the recent amendments in the Forest Conservation Act (FCA) 2023, aimed at promoting and developing eco-tourism activities in the state.

Approval was given to engage 2,061 Van Mitras in the Forest Department, eliminating the 10-mark personal interview criterion.