Saplings of change: HP bets on forest cover, rural participation

The Himachal Pradesh government is prioritising afforestation and community participation through the Rajiv Gandhi Van Sanvardhan Yojana, Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania said at a plantation drive in Kalapul, Kangra, on Sunday.

Pathania highlighted that the scheme is designed to strengthen the rural economy while involving Mahila Mandals, Yuvak Mandals, Self-Help Groups, and Joint Forest Committees. Under the initiative, these groups will plant saplings on 1–5 hectares of designated forest land and maintain them for five years. The government has allocated Rs 100 crore for the scheme, providing Rs 1.20 lakh per hectare for plantation and upkeep. This year, plantations are being undertaken on 1,000–1,500 hectares at a cost of Rs 20 crore.

To enhance efficiency and transparency, Pathania said reforms are being introduced in the Forest Department to ensure officials dedicate more time to conservation work in the field. He added that the state’s initiatives in natural farming and afforestation have been recognized nationally.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has also extended Rs 11,000 in assistance to Mahila Mandals for plantation activities. In addition, Pathania announced that land has been transferred for an Ayurvedic dispensary and a Mahila Mandal building in Kajlot village. Funds of Rs 3 lakh each have also been sanctioned for Patwar and Revenue Bhawans.

The event saw enthusiastic participation from forest officials, Mahila Mandal members, and students of Eco Clubs, who actively contributed to the plantation drive.