Himachal Pradesh to Plant 5 Million Saplings This Monsoon Under Mission-32 Green Drive

In a major push towards environmental conservation and sustainable forestry, the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department has set an ambitious target of planting 5 million saplings across 7,000 to 8,000 hectares during the ongoing monsoon season. The large-scale plantation campaign is aimed at strengthening the state’s green cover and supporting the government’s long-term climate goals.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Head of Forest Force Sanjay Sood said that nearly 4,000 hectares of the plantation work will be carried out under the Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojana. He added that preparations for the monsoon plantation drive have already begun at the divisional forest level across Himachal Pradesh.

According to Sood, the department will plant Chinar trees along with other native and suitable species based on the geographical and climatic conditions of individual districts. This approach is expected to improve the survival rate of saplings while maintaining the ecological balance of different regions.

The plantation campaign is part of the state’s Mission-32, an initiative that aims to increase Himachal Pradesh’s green cover to 32 percent by 2030. To ensure the success of this year’s Van Mahotsav campaign, the Forest Department has assigned plantation targets to every district.

The statewide plantation drive was formally launched by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, who planted a Chinar sapling in Shimla on World Environment Day (June 5). The initiative reflects the government’s continued focus on expanding forest cover and promoting environmental sustainability.

Officials also highlighted the achievements of the Mukhyamantri Van Vistar Yojana, under which saplings of various species were planted across 124 hectares during the previous year. In addition, the JICA Forestry Project continues to play an important role in supporting the state’s afforestation efforts and helping achieve long-term plantation targets.

Sanjay Sood has directed all Divisional Forest Officers to ensure the effective implementation of key forestry schemes, including the Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojana, Mukhyamantri Van Vistar Yojana, and the Rajiv Gandhi Green Adoption Scheme, to make this year’s plantation campaign a success.

With the arrival of the monsoon, the state government expects the extensive plantation drive to strengthen biodiversity, improve forest cover, and contribute significantly to Himachal Pradesh’s environmental conservation goals.

Read Also : Sirmaur Exports Cross ₹3,200 Crore as Himachal District Targets Bigger Global Footprint