Shimla gears up for plantation drive to boost green cover

In a proactive step towards enhancing the green cover of the city, the Municipal Corporation, Shimla, has launched an extensive tree plantation drive involving self-help groups (SHGs), local residents, NGOs and the Forest Department. The initiative will be carried out in phases across various localities of the state capital under the banner of the ‘Clean Himachal, Green Himachal’ campaign.

In its first phase, a 10-day plantation campaign will be conducted in the Jakhu and Chamiana areas. Subsequent phases will extend to other parts of the town to ensure widespread coverage.

Although the drive was initially scheduled for the upcoming monsoon season, the MC has preponed the campaign in response to the ongoing spell of rainfall, making it an ideal time for planting.

Mayor Surender Chauhan said the campaign is backed by funding from the state government, and aligns with the broader vision of environmental conservation and urban greening. “Every year, hundreds of trees are uprooted during the monsoon, leading to a gradual decline in Shimla’s green cover,” he noted. “This drive is aimed at reversing that trend by planting new saplings across the city.”

To ensure accountability and long-term impact, the MC will maintain detailed records of saplings planted in each locality. “Each sapling will be monitored after one month and again after six months to assess its survival and growth,” the Mayor added.

In its 2025-26 budget, the MC had proposed the plantation of 5,000 saplings as part of its commitment to forest conservation and environmental protection.