Community-led forestry push to cover 149 hectares in Dharamsala

After a successful pilot, the Dharamsala Forest Division has announced a major expansion of its community-driven afforestation programme under the Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojana (RGVSY) for 2026-27, targeting 149 hectares of forest land.

Launched by the Himachal Pradesh Government in 2025, the scheme marks a shift from conventional departmental forestry to a decentralised model that places local communities at the heart of conservation. Mahila mandals and youth clubs have been positioned as primary stakeholders in plantation and forest management, giving them both responsibility and long-term benefits.

Divisional Forest Officer Amit Sharma said the pilot phase laid a strong foundation through active community participation. Ten memorandums of understanding were signed with community-based organisations, enabling them to undertake plantation and protection work in identified forest areas.

During the initial phase, 28 hectares of degraded forest land were restored with the plantation of nearly 22,400 saplings. The drive focused on native and high-value species including amla, behra, arjun, harar, shisham, tuni and ban oak to promote biodiversity while ensuring ecological and economic returns. The initiative also generated direct employment for around 450 local residents.

Encouraged by the results, the division now plans to plant nearly 60,000 native saplings in the coming financial year. The expanded programme is expected to create direct and indirect livelihood opportunities for nearly 3,000 community members.

Plantation work will span multiple forest areas. In Indrunag and Basno, 32 hectares have been earmarked. In Dharamsala town, 15 hectares will be taken up through Siddh Baba Mahila Mandal and Durga Mahila Mandal. A major 43-hectare project is planned in Kangra under Yuva Sakti Club Baroh and Mahila Mandal Samirpur. In Shahpur, over 20 hectares will be covered, while 39 hectares in Mallan will be restored with participation from Laxmi Mahila Mandal and Ekta Mahila Mandal.