Himachal CM Sukhu Urges Centre for Forest Cover Recognition, Airport Expansion

• CM Sukhu met Union Ministers Bhupender Yadav and Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu in New Delhi.
• He requested recognition of 29.5% forest and tree cover, including 'Trees outside Forest' (ToF), for fund allocation.
• Sukhu highlighted the discrepancy in official forest cover data and sought credit for the state's conservation efforts.
• He urged support for the expansion of Kangra airport and special central assistance for the project.
• Requests included reducing minimum visibility criteria for flights, extending Shimla airport operation hours, and increasing flight frequency.

Why It Matters: Himachal Pradesh seeks central support for accurate forest cover recognition and critical airport infrastructure development.