Forest Dept ropes in schoolkids to enhance green cover
Tribune News Service
Shimla, December 15
The Forest Department has roped in schoolchildren to ensure their participation and cooperation in protecting forest and enhancing the green cover which is vital for environment protection.
An official spokesperson said here today that the department had started the Van Mitra scheme with a view to inculcating the spirit of conservation of forest and environment among the students.
1.66 Lakh Saplings Planted Last Year
- A forest area is being allocated to plus-two schools for plantation and looking after saplings by them
- Last year, 228 schools and 164.30 hectares of land were selected and 1,66,830 saplings were planted
During this financial year, 146 schools and 131.5 hectares of land have been identified for planting 1,30,100 saplings
Under the scheme, a fixed forest area is being allocated to plus-two schools for plantation and looking after saplings by them. Last year, 228 schools and 164.30 hectares of land were selected and 1,66,830 saplings were planted. During this financial year, 146 schools and 131.5 hectares of land had been identified for planting 1,30,100 saplings.
He said various schemes of the department had proved beneficial in enhancing the forest cover. The new schemes were not only helping in increasing green cover, but also providing livelihood opportunities to the locals.
“Special plantation campaigns are being carried out to increase the green cover. Last year, 88,53,532 saplings were planted on 9,785 hectares. This year, 65,34,217 saplings are planted on about 7,499 hectares of forest land under the special plantation campaign,” he disclosed.
The department was also playing an important role in promoting eco-tourism as Rs 18.18 crore had been allocated for Janjehli in Mandi district. The amount would be spent on the improvement of trekking routes, forest rest houses and public facilities.
The Union Ministry of Environment and Forests had provided Rs 3 crore each for Manali and Nachan for the development of natural parks and walking paths. Apart from this, camping sites had been started at 25 places to promote eco-tourism in the state, he said.
The Himachal Pradesh Forest Ecology Management and Livelihood Improvement Project of Rs 800 crore funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is being implemented in 18 forest divisions of six districts. The government has launched another new scheme Ek Buta Beti Ke Naam, which aims to make people aware of the importance of forests and the rights of girls by planting saplings in the name of a newborn child.
Special efforts are being made to remove lantana from forest land.
Last year, lantana was removed from 4,567 hectares, while this year a target has been set to remove it from 5,000 hectares.
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