Plantation drive held as part of Van Mahotsava

The Assembly-level Van Mahotsava was inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner Torul S Raveesh, who launched the event by planting a deodar sapling in the Parvati Forest Division at Shamshi. The festival, held under the Rajiv Gandhi Van Sanvardhan Yojana, aims to expand forest cover in Himachal Pradesh through active public participation.

Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Commissioner highlighted the vital role of trees in maintaining ecological balance and praised the contribution of women in environmental protection. She lauded the state government's vision, under the leadership of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, to enhance women’s participation in such campaigns.

Kullu Chief Conservator of Forests Sandeep Sharma welcomed the chief guest and all participants, noting that efforts had been made to ensure the involvement of all circles and divisions. He explained that the Rajiv Gandhi Van Sanvardhan Yojana is an initiative of the state government to increase green cover and conserve the environment.

The scheme focuses on planting fruit-bearing trees on barren and degraded forest land, promoting community participation in forest conservation and creating employment opportunities in rural areas. It actively involves women’s groups, youth clubs and self-help groups (SHGs) in afforestation activities, providing financial assistance for both plantation and maintenance.

Under the scheme, up to Rs 2.40 lakh is provided in the first year for plantation and fencing on one hectare of land. Additional incentives, based on plant survival rates, are given for the next five years. If over 50% of the plants survive, an extra Rs 1 lakh may be awarded, enabling groups to receive up to Rs 6.40 lakh over five years.

Sukhu addressed the event virtually. The plantation drive saw active participation from Panchayati Raj representatives, local women’s groups, members of the Seraj Valley Association of Kullu College and SSB personnel from Mohal. Around 150 saplings, including deodar, horse chestnut, chinar, soapnut and walnut, were planted.

The event was attended by Kullu CMO Dr Nagaraj Panwar, DFO Headquarters Shashikaran and forest officials Chandrashekhar, Sachin Sharma, Vinish Kumar and Vandana, among others.