category Regional, shimla, , tags Regional, shimla, , DW BUREAU SHIMLA The process of Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Himachali cap, Sirmauri Loeya, Mandi Sepubari, Chamba metal craft, Kinnauri apple and Kinnauri ornaments is under consideration with the Registrar of Geographical Indication, Chennai, said Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday. He informed that GI status has been given to more than 400 traditional products of the state, including Kullu shawl, Chamba Rumal, Kinnaur shawl, Kangra painting, Lahaul woolen socks and gloves. GI tag is a status given to a product belonging exclusively to a particular area. The quality, reputation and any other characteristics of that particular product is generally attributed to the geographical origin of the product. The chief minister said that Kangra tea from Himachal was given GI status in 2005 by the Registrar of Geographical Indicators, Chennai and in March 2023 the beverage from the hill state was granted the European GI tag, paving the way for the sale of the product in European countries. He said that the sale of Kangra tea is expected to grow as registration was an important tool to recognise the quality, genuineness and reputation of the product in the European markets. Kangra tea is grown in Palampur, Baijnath, Kangra and Dharamshala in Kangra district, Jogindernagar of Mandi district and Bhattiyat area of Chamba district and is known for its unique taste and fragrance, attributed to its abundant pyrazine contents. Additionally, it also possesses medicinal values. During the British era, Kangra tea was exported to European markets and because of its quality it has bagged various awards from the markets of Amsterdam and London between 1886 and 1895. Sukhu also said the state is planning to purchase 75 e-buses, taking the total fleet to 170, according to a statement issued here on Thursday. Tenders for the purchase of these buses, which will ply on 75 identified routes, have been issued and the letter of award (LOA) is expected by June, it said. The Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) has also identified routes to replace 225 diesel buses with e-buses, Sukhu said while presiding over a meeting of the transport department Wednesday evening. The HRTC is transitioning from diesel to electric buses in a phased manner and the current fleet already includes 95 electric buses, he said. The government is working to develop the required infrastructure for e-buses, including charging stations, the statement added. The chief minister said six green corridors were being built in the state, adding that Himachal Pradesh aims to become a role model in the country in the e-vehicle sector. Reforms would be introduced to make the HRTC self-reliant and provide it with better financial resources, ensuring timely payment of salaries. (editor dailyworld.in)