September 23, 2008 :Himachal Pradesh has been adjudged best State in the country for Environment Protection and Increase of Green Cover by prestigious news channel in partnership with prestigious news magazine in a National-Level-Survey.
Bharat Ratna Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, former President of India presented ‘Diamond State Award’ to Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal in an impressive function held at New Delhi last night.
While commenting on the award, Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal said that Himachal Pradesh has made contribution in most burning issue of today. He said that global warming is the most critical issue and environmental protection and increase in green cover can provide solution to this problem. He said that Himachalis are committed to increase the forest areas and also undertake various measures to improve air quality in the region.
Earlier, while participating in the discussions, he favoured the holding of Assembly and Parliamentary Elections simultaneously in the country and said that he favoured amendement in the Constitutions to make legal provision for such simultaneously elections. He said that repeated elections have caused adverse impact on social and economic development and holding of various elections, from different time diverts the attention of the Government from real issues. He even offered to conduct Himachal Vidhan Sabha elections with ensuing Parliamentary elections, if National-Level political consensus is evolved on holding simultaneously elections of Parliament and State Assemblies throughout the country