Boosting green cover Shimla civic body launches extensive plantation drive

To boost the green cover in the town, the Municipal Corporation of Shimla has launched an extensive tree plantation drive as part of the state’s ‘Clean Himachal Green Himachal’ campaign. The initiative, aimed at increasing greenery and conserving the environment, will involve various self-help groups, NGOs, the Forest Department and local residents.

In the first phase, a 10-day plantation drive will be conducted in Jakhu and Chamiana localities. Subsequent phases will cover the remaining parts of Shimla. Originally planned for the monsoon season, the Corporation has decided to prepone the drive due to the ongoing rainfall in the region, providing ideal conditions for planting.

Mayor Surender Chauhan highlighted that the initiative aligns with the government’s environmental goals and is being supported through a dedicated budget from the state. He emphasized that hundreds of trees are uprooted in Shimla each monsoon, leading to a gradual decline in the town’s green cover. To address this, the Corporation aims to plant approximately 5,000 saplings during the 2025–26 financial year.

To ensure the survival and growth of the saplings, a detailed record of the number and location of each planted tree will be maintained. Regular monitoring will be carried out after one month and again after six months to track the health and survival rate of the saplings.

The drive is being implemented in a phased manner to ensure wide participation and effective coverage of all localities. The involvement of self-help groups and local communities is expected to enhance awareness and responsibility toward environmental conservation. — TNS