Himachal CM Launches Massive Tree-Planting Drive to Transform Forests!
Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu inaugurates 76th Van Mahotsav, targeting 9,000 hectares of afforestation to boost biodiversity.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu inaugurated the 76th state-level Van Mahotsav at Kanlog in Shimla on Thursday, unveiling an ambitious plan to plant trees across 9,000 hectares of forest land this year under various schemes. Emphasizing sustainability, Sukhu noted that 60% of the saplings will be fruit-bearing, and he personally planted a deodar sapling to mark the occasion.
During the event, Sukhu launched the Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojana across all Assembly constituencies, engaging virtually with ministers and MLAs to discuss forest conservation and afforestation strategies. He underscored the critical role of forests as the “Earth’s lifeline” and outlined the state’s goal to achieve 30% forest cover by 2030. The Yojana aims to foster public participation and bolster the rural economy by involving mahila mandals, yuvak mandals, self-help groups, and joint forest committees in planting and maintaining saplings on designated forest land for five years, supported by a Rs 100 crore budget.
Sukhu emphasized reforms in the Forest Department, prioritizing fieldwork over administrative tasks to enhance conservation efforts. He also distributed cheques of Rs 1 lakh to mahila mandals for tree plantation under the Yojana and Rs 50,000 under the JICA project, reinforcing community-driven afforestation.
The state government’s focus on financial discipline and biodiversity preservation underscores its commitment to systemic change, positioning Himachal Pradesh as a leader in sustainable forest management.
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