Shimla, March 23: The high-voltage brainstorming on ‘Samriddh Himachal 2045’ entered Day-2.
And it didn’t take long for the debate to hit the nerve — Section 118 of the Himachal Pradesh Tenancy and Land Reforms Act.
While Day-1 buzzed with talks of green energy, Electric Vehicle corridors, modern farming, and tourism as the future growth engines
Day-2 took a sharp turn — who controls Himachal’s land?
At the centre was Integrated Mountain Initiative (IMI) President Ramesh Negi, reminding the gathering that Section 118 is not just a law — it’s Himachal’s protective shield.
“This Act created local entrepreneurs — be it apple growers or small hoteliers from Kinnaur to Pangi. It kept speculative money out and gave locals a fair chance,” Negi said.
But then came the bombshell — Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena openly pitched for rethinking the law.
“India opened up in the ’90s. Himachal must, too. It’s time we shed old baggage,” Saxena remarked.
The moment hung heavy. Murmurs broke.
Planners, experts, and bureaucrats exchanged worried glances.
A senior officer whispered, “Parmar saheb ne Himachal banaya tha...yeh CS bechne ki soch rahe hain.”
Ironically, all this is unfolding at the Dr. Manmohan Singh Himachal Institute of Public Administration (MSHIPA) — the very think tank tasked with shaping Himachal’s future.
MSHIPA clarified — this is no anti-YS Parmar agenda. The mission is to reimagine Himachal, balance growth, and ecological safeguards for the next generation.
Entering in the debate virtually from New Delhi, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu stayed on the growth pitch.
“We aim to make Himachal a green energy hub. Hydropower, solar, EVs — the roadmap is ready. The state will stand on its own feet,” Sukhu said.
Former Chief Secretary Deepak Sanan flagged the need for transparency, policy clarity, and public trust.
“Random changes will backfire. We need a blueprint,” he warned.
Ramesh Negi widened the canvas. “Land, water, forests are inseparable. Block-level water governance must be part of any growth story,” he added.
The debate is only getting started.
Day-3 promises bigger ideas — urbanisation plans, environmental service valuation, and fresh pitches on green investments.
The question racing through corridors — Can Himachal keep its soul intact while chasing growth?
Or will the mountains turn into open markets?
No easy answers yet.
But one thing is clear — the battle lines are drawn.
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