CM Honours Forest Committees in Kangra and Chamba for Exemplary Work
CM Sukhu honoring forest committees
Dehra, June 4:
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday honoured outstanding Village Forest Management Committees (VFMCs) from Kangra and Chamba districts for their exemplary work under the KfW-funded project. The awards were presented during a program held in Dehra, Kangra district, in recognition of the committees’ significant contributions at the state and division levels.
For the year 2021–22, the first prize at the state level was awarded to the Lagdu VFMC (Dehra Forest Division) with a cash prize of ₹1 lakh. The second prize went to Chambhar (Dalhousie Forest Division) receiving ₹60,000, and the third prize to Bhater (Dehra) with ₹40,000. In 2022–23, Bhater secured first place, followed by Jaini Masroor-2 and Lagdu in second and third positions, respectively. For 2023–24, Jaini Masroor-2 received the first prize, Bhater the second, and Lagdu the third.
At the Dehra Forest Division level, several committees received incentive amounts of ₹50,000, ₹30,000, and ₹20,000 respectively, for the years 2021–22 through 2023–24. The Chief Minister congratulated all the award-winning committees for their dedication and praised their crucial role in forest conservation.
CM Sukhu noted that a total of 307 VFMCs from Kangra and Chamba have actively participated in planning, implementation, and monitoring under the KfW initiative. So far, plantation and land conservation work has been carried out over 13,300 hectares, including the planting of 61,000 saplings and the removal of invasive species like lantana. The project is scheduled to be completed by March 30, 2026.
Emphasizing the broader impact of forest conservation, the Chief Minister said it is vital not just for climate regulation but also for safeguarding water sources, soil, biodiversity, and local livelihoods. He stated that the state has adopted a scientific and sustainable approach to forest management and urged the youth to take active part in environmental preservation efforts.
He also announced an incentive fund of ₹22.5 crore for high-performing forest committees. Of this, ₹2.5 crore has already been disbursed, and the remaining amount will be transferred to the respective accounts within this year.
The event was attended by senior officials, public representatives, and other dignitaries. The Chief Minister also visited an exhibition set up by the Forest Department showcasing the progress and achievements of the initiative.
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