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 three challenges during the past three years, the worst being the natural disaster followed by economic and political upheaval but the government, with the blessings of divine power, and cooperation of the people overcame these challenges," said Sukhu, who along with his wife and Dehra MLA Kamlesh Thakur visited the Tara Devi Temple near Shoghi to pay obeisance on the New Year's occasion. CM Sukhu said he will take up the issue regarding the recent trade agreement with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying that the concessions on apple imports could adversely affect Himachal's apple economy. "I will write a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on this issue. The Himachal's apple farmers should not suffer," he said....