He said that similar ozone-based water treatment projects would subsequently be established across the state to ensure safe drinking water. He said that consumption of contaminated water could cause several diseases, making it essential to provide people with clean and safe drinking water. He also announced the opening of a veterinary hospital at Baddal Thor to strengthen veterinary services in the area.

The Chief Minister said the Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojana had been launched to involve yuva and mahila mandals in planting and protecting forests. Under the scheme, self-help groups are provided financial assistance of Rs. 1.20 lakh, besides incentives linked to the survival of plantations. He said the state government was also taking several steps to strengthen the education sector. CBSE schools had been opened in the state and more such schools would be established in the coming period to provide quality education to students.

More than three decades after his tenure as Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi continues to be remembered for his vision of an India prepared to meet the challenges of the modern world.

Dr. Sanjay Sood stated that this year the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department has set a target of planting 50 lakh saplings on 7,000 to 8,000 hectares of land in the state, out of which saplings will be planted on about 4,000 hectares under the Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojana.

It is noteworthy that under the state government's ambitious scheme Mukhyamantary Van Vistar Yojana, the project successfully planted various species of saplings on 124 hectares of land last year.

Dr. Sood reiterated the State Government's commitment to building a greener and environmentally sustainable Himachal Pradesh. He said that the Rajiv Gandhi Green Adoption Scheme would serve as a significant milestone in environmental conservation through active public participation and collaboration with various institutions. The initiative is expected to enhance forest cover, restore degraded ecosystems, and promote environmental awareness among citizens.

Expressing confidence in the newly elected representatives, the Chief Minister urged them to accord the highest priority to public service and work with honesty, transparency and sensitivity to build model Panchayats. He said strong Panchayats are the foundation of strong villages, a strong Himachal Pradesh and a developed India.

Highlighting the government’s focus on healthcare, the Chief Minister said nearly Rs. 3,000 crore was being invested to modernize medical infrastructure and replace outdated equipment. He said robotic surgery facilities have been introduced at major government medical institutions to provide advanced and affordable healthcare closer to the people.

To provide relief to distressed farmers, the Cabinet approved an Agricultural Loan Interest Subsidy Scheme, under which the state government will bear 50 percent of the interest liability on agricultural loans up to ₹3 lakh. The scheme is expected to benefit more than 6,300 farmers.

I met him last at the Khushwant Singh Literature Festival in Delhi. By then, age had slowed his gait, but it had not dimmed the warmth in his eyes or his curiosity about the world. He listened as intently as ever. India had honoured him with the Padma Shri in 1992 and the Padma Bhushan in 2005, but his true honour was the trust of the Indian people.