SHIMLA: MLA and Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania today said that Himachal Pradesh would adopt Norway’s successful model of sustainable and inclusive mountain development. He shared his insights following a recent visit to the Norwegian Parliament.
Shri Pathania said that while Himachal and Norway share similar geographical features such as hilly terrain, natural beauty and rich water resources, the key difference lies in how these strengths have been utilized. He said that Norway has empowered its local governance institutions, invested in future-ready infrastructure and adopted a long-term environment-friendly approach to development.
He stressed the importance of strengthening panchayats and block-level institutions in Himachal to ensure faster and more accountable development, similar to Norway’s decentralized governance model.
Referring to Norway’s advances in sectors like tunnel engineering, electric vehicles, and waste management, Shri Pathania said that Himachal can benefit from adopting scientific planning and public-private partnerships in these areas.
He said the Himachal would move towards sustainable tourism practices and learn from Norway’s year-round eco-tourism model.
Shri Pathania further said that state government would work towards on its long-term vision, green growth policies and people-centric governance to ensure a prosperous future for the state.
Member of the Norwegian Parliament of Indian origin Himanshu Gulati accompanied the Deputy Chief Whip in the occasion.