Himachal CM Sukhu Meets Gadkari, Yadav; Seeks Central Aid for Roads & Forest Cover

• Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu met Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari to discuss strengthening road infrastructure and seeking financial support.
• Gadkari approved Rs 200 crore under CRIF for the Chaila-Neripul-Yashwant Nagar-Ochghat road, benefiting apple growers.
• Sukhu requested tunnels for Shimla-Mataur NH and early sanctioning of Rs 38.37 crore for Chil Bahal to Pucca Baroh section, which Gadkari approved.
• In a separate meeting, CM Sukhu urged Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav to recognize Himachal's 29.5% forest and tree cover for central allocations.
• Sukhu highlighted the discrepancy in official forest cover data due to non-inclusion of 'Trees outside Forest' (ToF) and sought credit for the state's ecological contributions.

Why It Matters: Himachal CM Sukhu secured central funds for road projects and advocated for accurate forest cover recognition.