CM Sukhu: Women, Youth Groups Will Be Compensated For Work Of Forest Conservation
Shimla, March 4: The Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has announced to give compensation to women and youth groups, self-help groups, panchayats who are actively available in the services of the conservation of forests across Himachali raw state. The project, a component of the government’s wider conservation plan, will see different community groups taking part in the expansion and protection of Himachal Pradesh’s enormous forest cover. The state government has announced a budget of Rs 100 crore for this, so that these groups get due compensation for their efforts in protecting the environment,’ he said.
The decision was announced in Shimla at a review meeting of various schemes and projects by the Forest Department. In conservation and expansion of forest cover of the State, the Chief Minister said that the important role of local communities, especially women and youth will be important. Besides monetary compensation, these groups will be incentivised based on the survival percentage of plants planted as part of afforestation efforts. The top three achievers will be rewarded under this performance-based incentive framework for their role in achieving the long-term sustainability of the forest plantation.
Sustainable Forest Management as a Priority
During the course of his address CM Sukhu also elaborated more on bad practices/growth in forest cover as compared to sustainable growth in Forest Cover. For this, he asked the department to plant 60 per cent fruit and fodder species in the forest areas. This strategy intends to fulfill wildlife dietary needs and divert the animals from farms and crops. By securing self-sustainability within forested areas, the initiative aims to maintain a balance between wildlife conservation and protection of agriculture.
The Chief Minister said that the protection of the agricultural crops from the onslaught of the wild animals was a serious concern of the farmers in the state. Reforesting with the right mix of plants and fodder species, he emphasized, was not just about biodiversity, it was about protecting farmers’ livelihoods.
“We all need to come together to ensure the safeguarding of not only the environment but also our farmers’ crops. Proper management of the forest resources will ease the pressure owing to wildlife to a-proper way and bring down the conflict between man and nature,” said Sukhu.
Eco-Tourism Initiatives and Appointment of Van Mitras
CM Sukhu also announced the introduction of Van Mitras (Forest Friends), a group of committed individuals that will contribute to the protection and conservation of forests. The Chief Minister said that the state government decided to make 2,033 candidates selected for the post with 55 per cent women. Appointment letter will be issued for these Van Mitras soon and orientation programme will be organized in the 1st week of May this year. They will receive comprehensive training through the program on their role, their responsibilities, and the important work they will be doing to help ensure environmental sustainability across the state.
Under the programme, uniform and other mandatory items to do fieldwork will be provided for free to each Van Mitra of the department on a budget of Rs 6,000. This initiative is being undertaken alongside the governments vision to create employment in environmental upkeep from local communities, as well as fulfilling its goals on gender inclusiveness in conservation programs.
“Our government is focused on producing jobs for the people, particularly women who will take the lead on this.” The Van Mitra scheme will instill a sense of ownership and responsibility among the local residents, empowering locals to safeguard and preserve the forests with the requisite skills and knowledge necessary to do so,” said CM Sukhu.
Promotion of Eco-Tourism
Focusing current efforts at improving sustainable livelihoods, CM Sukhu also spoke about state going for eco-tourism which is expected to provide opportunities for employment and self-employment for the local communities. In the first phase, the government activated eight eco-tourism sites and will activate 78 more sites in the next two weeks.
Explaining that eco-tourism is the perfect way to monetising the natural beauty and biodiversity of Himachal Pradesh while providing for protection of the region superlative ecological heritage, he said tourism in this sector is one of the highest in the developed countries by providing primary source of income in form of tourism capital. These eco-tourism sites will be developed for tourists to experience a sustainable nature-based tourism while benefiting businesses and communities.
“Himachal Pradesh has the potential to become a haven for eco-tourism, a sustainable model that will provide visitors access to the unparalleled natural beauty of the state, while also generating economic avenues for our own people. We will make sure that the development of these sites is done with protection and conservation,” Sukhu said.
The Zoological Park at Bankhandi
Apart from eco-tourism, development of wildlife conservation infrastructure is another significant area of focus for the state government. The CM inspected the status of construction and development work of International Zoological Park at Bankhandi in Kangra district. This will be an attraction in and of itself to those who love wildlife and tourists alike. The park will highlight the area’s biodiversity and serve as a hub for the protection of endangered species.
Sukhu directed the officials to complete the park in the stipulated time frame, so that enough manpower and standard operating procedures are laid down before the opening of the park. He underscored the need for setting up facilities like a planetarium to ensure an educational aspect for tourists, especially families.
We want to offer an experience to tourists that is world-class and at the same time use it as a platform to create awareness about wildlife conservation.’ The International Zoological Park will be a place not just of fun and education but also an essential step towards preserving our unique flora and fauna,” added the Chief Minister.
A Dedication to Environmental Conservation
At the end of the meet, The CM reaffirmed the commitment of the government towards environmental conservation and sustainable development. He detailed measures over the past two years to safeguard and expand the state’s natural resources, including afforestation, community mobilisation and a push for eco-tourism.
“We are absolutely committed to making sure that Himachal Pradesh remains a biodiversity haven while also creating livelihoods for our people. It is a visionary step forward, and with support from our committed local communities, we will keep protecting the natural splendour of our state for generations to come,” Sukhu said.
The state government will continue to spare its shoulder with appointment of adequate staff with requisite resources for forest departments, and all conservation programs will be effectively implemented,said CM. All stakeholders, from government officials to local communities, need to work together to keep the environment and better the state’s natural resources for all, he said.
Himachal Pradesh’s ambitious schemes and projects target environmental safeguards in general and combat climate change in particular. The state seeks to be a model of a sustainable development in all over India through community participation, eco-tourism, and improved wildlife conservation.
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