CM asks Himachal Pradesh University to take up research in green hydrogen sector

Shimla, Jun 19 (PTI) Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday urged the Himachal Pradesh University here to undertake research in the field of green hydrogen, highlighting its immense potential for the state. Sukhu inaugurated and laid foundation stones for various projects in the university, according to a statement. Speaking on the occasion, he said that the state provides ecological services worth nearly Rs 90,000 crore to the nation. The state government was actively promoting clean and green energy initiatives. In this direction, the first Green Hydrogen Project in Himachal Pradesh was being established at Nalagarh in Solan district, he said. The chief minister inaugurated phase 3 of a multi-faculty building in the university. This houses three academic floors, a Computer-cum-Computer-Based Testing (CBT) Lab and parking facility, constructed at a cost of Rs 10.09 crore. The new CBT Lab, established to expand teaching capacity and support digital learning initiatives, was inaugurated. Foundation stone was laid for a new academic block to be constructed at an outlay of Rs 8.25 crore. The block will have five storeys with parking and new classrooms. Speaking on the occasion, Sukhu said the state government was providing every possible support to strengthen the university and was granting an aid of Rs 150 crore annually for its development. Reviewing various schemes and projects of the university, he said they would strengthen the infrastructure, digital transformation and academic excellence. Recalling his association with the institution, Sukhu said, "I myself was a student of Himachal Pradesh University, but there has been a significant transformation over the years." He emphasised the need to equip students with skills and knowledge required to meet future challenges. The Computer-cum-CBT Lab would facilitate Shimla's youth appearing for their computer tests for various examinations conducted by the Himachal Pradesh Rajya Chayan Aayog, Sukhu said, adding that about 250 youths could avail this facility. PTI BPL RUK RUK