CM Inaugurates State-Level Van Mahotsav – A Unique Initiative to Preserve Natural Beauty and Boost Economic Empowerment
Shimla, August 14: Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today inaugurated the 76th State-Level Van Mahotsav at Kanlog, Shimla, by planting a deodar sapling. On the occasion, he also launched the Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojana in all assembly constituencies. The CM interacted virtually with ministers and MLAs attending the event across the state, holding detailed discussions on forest conservation and enhancement.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that Van Mahotsav highlights the importance of forests—often described as the lifeline of the planet. This year, nearly 9,000 hectares of forest land will be brought under plantation through various schemes and projects, with 60% of the saplings being fruit-bearing species. He added that the state government is committed to conserving and enriching Himachal Pradesh’s rich biodiversity, aiming to increase forest cover to 30% by 2030.
He explained that the Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojana will not only promote forest development but also enhance public participation and strengthen the rural economy. Under this scheme, between 2025 and 2030, Mahila Mandals, Yuvak Mandals, self-help groups, and joint forest committees will plant saplings on selected forest land ranging from one to five hectares and take care of them for five years. A budget allocation of ₹100 crore has been made for the scheme. This year alone, plantations are being carried out on 1,000 to 1,500 hectares of forest land at a cost of ₹20 crore, with ₹1.2 lakh allocated per hectare for plantation and maintenance.
The CM stressed that the state government is focusing on financial discipline as part of its governance reforms, ensuring significant improvements in the working of the Forest Department. He urged forest officers to devote most of their time to fieldwork for forest expansion and protection, rather than being confined to office tasks.
He further noted that the government is implementing schemes that provide self-employment opportunities at the doorstep of rural residents, thereby strengthening their livelihoods. He also highlighted that Himachal’s natural farming initiative has gained appreciation at the national level.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister distributed cheques of ₹1 lakh each to various Mahila Mandals under the Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojana for plantation activities, and cheques of ₹50,000 each to beneficiaries under the JICA project for livelihood enhancement activities.
Additional Chief Secretary K.K. Pant and Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Sanjay Sood welcomed the CM and presented a detailed report on various forest development activities.
The event was attended by MLAs Harish Janartha and Suresh Kumar, Shimla Mayor Surender Chauhan, Deputy Mayor Uma Kaushal, Principal Advisor to the CM (Innovation, IT & Governance) Gokul Butail, Advocate General Anup Rattan, local councillor Alok Singh Pathania, senior officials, and other dignitaries.
Continuing the achievement of the journey of effectiveness and credibility of more than 10 years in the career of journalism, as a woman journalist, I am Serving as the founder, promoter and editor of DiaryTimes with the trust and support of all. My credible coverage may not have given a big shape to the numbers, but my journey presents articles that make you aware of the exact and meaningful situations of Himachal’s politics, ground issues related to the public, business, tourism and the difficult geographical conditions of the state and financial awareness. DiaryTimes, full of the experience of my precise editorial expertise, is awakening the flame of credible journalism among all of you, so that the eternal flame of meaningful change can be lit in the life of the people of the state and the atrocities being committed against the people can be brought to the fore, I am motivated for that. If even a small change comes with the power of my journalism and the whole world becomes a witness to that issues, then I will consider myself fortunate.
