1,820 Hectares of Land in Himachal to Turn Green Under Massive Plantation Drive

Shimla, July 16: The Himachal Pradesh Forest Department has launched an ambitious afforestation campaign aimed at rejuvenating 1,820 hectares of land across the state this year. Under this initiative, barren and degraded lands will be transformed into green zones through various plantation schemes.

According to Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and CPD JICA, Sameer Rastogi, the Forest Department will carry out plantations over 1,000 hectares on its own. Additionally, 600 hectares will be covered under the Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojana, and 220 hectares under the JICA Forestry Project. Together, these efforts will bring new greenery to a total of 1,820 hectares.

The campaign will formally kick off with the upcoming state-level Van Mahotsav (Forest Festival). This green drive is not just a step toward environmental conservation, but it also aims to generate local employment and livelihood opportunities.

The Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojana, launched by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on June 2 in Hamirpur, is designed to promote plantation of fruit-bearing trees. The scheme is expected to enhance both environmental sustainability and rural income.

Women’s groups, self-help groups, and youth clubs will play a key role in the initiative. These community organizations will not only plant saplings but also take responsibility for their care and upkeep over the next five years. This participatory model is expected to ensure high survival rates of the plants and foster long-term community engagement.

Last year, 1,296 hectares of land were afforested under the JICA project, and another 100 hectares under the Mukhyamantri Van Vistaar Yojana, showcasing the state’s ongoing commitment to restoring ecological balance.