Himachal Pradesh News
Himachal Pradesh Targets 4,000 Hectares of Plantation, Empowers Women and Youth Under Rajiv Gandhi Scheme
In a strong push towards environmental conservation and rural employment, the Himachal Pradesh government has announced an ambitious plan to carry out plantation across nearly 4,000 hectares in the financial year 2026–27 under the Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojana.
In a strong push towards environmental conservation and rural employment, the Himachal Pradesh government has announced an ambitious plan to carry out plantation across nearly 4,000 hectares in the financial year 2026–27 under the Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojana.
The initiative is not just about planting trees—it’s about building livelihoods. Around 1,100 community groups will be actively involved, with a clear focus on inclusivity. Notably, 60% of these groups will consist of women, while 20% will be youth groups, and the remaining 20% will include other self-help groups.
To support this large-scale green mission, the government has earmarked a budget of approximately ₹55 crore.
A Model Linking Environment with Employment
Officials say the scheme is emerging as a successful model that connects environmental sustainability with income generation. In its initial phase last year, the program saw participation from nearly 300 women’s groups, 70 youth groups, and 75 self-help groups, covering around 1,100 hectares.
Encouraged by these results, the government now plans to expand its reach significantly.
Empowering Women at the Grassroots
One of the most impactful aspects of the scheme is its focus on women empowerment. The upcoming phase is expected to engage nearly 15,000 women, offering them a stable source of income while involving them in environmental protection.
Each participating group will receive ₹1.20 lakh per hectare, with the flexibility to work on 2 to 5 hectares of land.
To ensure accountability and long-term impact, the scheme includes performance-based incentives. Groups that achieve a tree survival rate of over 50% after one year will receive an additional ₹1 lakh for every two hectares.
Focus on Sustainable Growth and Biodiversity
The initiative encourages community groups such as Mahila Mandals, Yuvak Mandals, and self-help groups to plant a mix of trees, fruit-bearing plants, and other useful species on barren land. Equal emphasis is being placed on protecting and nurturing these plantations, ensuring long-term ecological benefits.
Experts believe that such efforts will not only improve forest cover but also contribute to biodiversity conservation and climate resilience in the region.
Government’s Commitment to Green Future
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to environmental protection. He highlighted that a complete ban on green felling is already in place and that continuous efforts have led to a steady increase in forest cover across the state.
“This initiative reflects our vision of balancing development with sustainability,” he said, emphasizing that community participation is key to long-term success.
