Tree conservation key to protecting Himalayas: Pathania

Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania on Thursday stressed that the conservation of trees and forests is vital for protecting the environment and preventing natural disasters. He was speaking as the chief guest at a tree plantation programme organised at Alakh Prakash Goyal (APG) Shimla University, where Advocate General Anoop Ratan attended as the special guest.

Addressing the gathering, Pathania urged the youth to actively participate in plantation drives and contribute towards environmental protection, noting that the effects of climate change and global warming are making the Himalayan region increasingly vulnerable to cloudbursts, landslides and floods.

Highlighting state initiatives, he said Himachal Pradesh has set a target to increase its forest cover by 30 per cent by 2030. Under the Rajiv Gandhi Forest Conservation Scheme, Mahila Mandals, Yuva Mandals, self-help groups and Joint Forest Committees will plant and care for up to five hectares of forest land for five years. A budgetary provision of Rs 100 crore has been made for the scheme. This year alone, plantation is being carried out over 1,000-1,500 hectares of forest land at an estimated cost of Rs 20 crore.

Pathania further said the government is also providing Rs 1.2 lakh per hectare for the maintenance of plants. These efforts, he said, would not only strengthen the rural economy but also promote sustainable tourism by creating organised green forest areas that attract environment enthusiasts.

On the occasion, Pathania planted a walnut sapling, while the Advocate General planted an arrow plant. University Chancellor Dr Ramesh Chaudhary, Registrar RL Sharma, faculty members and students were also present at the event.