Website of forestry project launched

Tribune News Service

Shimla, March 16

Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur on Tuesday launched the website of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) project — jicahpforestryproject.com — to facilitate access to activities being undertaken in the hill state.

Thakur said the objective of the project was to manage and enhance the forest area while contributing to environmental and sustainable socio-economic development in the project area.

He said that the project was contributing towards biodiversity conservation and improvement of ecosystem services with a specific focus on water resource conservation, prevention of soil erosion, and necessary support to establish sustainable alternative livelihoods for the local community.

Thakur said the Rs 800-crore project was being implemented in six districts, Bilaspur, Shimla, Mandi, Kullu, Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti, and covered seven forest circles, 18 forest divisions and 61 forest ranges. The project would culminate in March 2028.

Forest Minister Rakesh Pathania, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Dr Savita, Chief Project Director Nagesh Guleria and other senior officials were present.