Shimla, Jan. 2 -- Chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday said that to make Himachal a self-reliant state, the focus would be on green and sustainable energy-- to protect the natural beauty of the state-- as well as promoting religious tourism.

Emphasising upon the importance of religious tourism, Sukhu said, "The New Year comes with renewed resolve to work faster. The religious tourism serves as a vital bridge between heritage and modern development, where millions of devotees visit annually to seek spiritual fulfilment in state's Shaktipeeth's, while boosting local livelihood. The beautification of the lesser known religious shrines and development of new religious circuits would be the government's focus."

"State faced thre...