Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla said being Himalayan region the state is highly vulnerable to climate change. Governor said currently, 15,580 sq km (28 per cent) of the state has been designated as actual forest area. He said capital expenditure was Rs 5,309 crore in 2020-21, Rs 6,029 crore in 2021-22 and £ 5,630 crore in 2023-24. The Governor said the state doesn’t have adequate resources, hence, the dependence on Central grants is high. He also said the inadequate Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG) recommended by the 15th Finance Commission has further contributed to the adverse fiscal situation. He added that the government has not allowed the capital expenditure to decrease despite tapering RDG and development works are progressing rapidly. The Budget session of the legislative Assembly began on March 10 and will last for 16 days. For confidential support call the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90, visit a local Samaritans branch or see www.samaritans.org for details.