5 million saplings of various species to be planted this year
Special emphasis being laid on plantation of Chinar saplings for the first time
Head of Forest Force Dr. Sanjay Sood appeals to the public for cooperation
Strict instructions issued to all Divisional Forest Officers to ensure the success of the plantation drive
Shimla: During the current monsoon season, the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department has set a target of planting 5 million saplings across 7,000 to 8,000 hectares of land in the state. Of this, plantations on approximately 4,000 hectares will be carried out under the Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojana. Preparations for the plantation campaign have already commenced at the divisional forest level across the state.
It has been informed that Chinar and other species of saplings will be planted according to the geographical conditions and climatic suitability of different districts of the state. The department has resolved to achieve the target of increasing the state's green cover to 32 percent by the year 2030 under Mission-32. In view of this objective, the department has fixed specific targets to ensure the success of the plantation campaign during this year's Van Mahotsav across all districts of the state.
The JICA Forestry Project is also playing a significant role in achieving this target. Head of Forest Force Dr. Sanjay Sood appealed to the people of the state to actively participate in the plantation drive and contribute towards the protection and conservation of planted saplings. He also directed all Divisional Forest Officers to ensure effective implementation of the state government's flagship schemes, including the Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojana, Mukhyamantary Van Vistar Yojana and Rajiv Gandhi Green Adoption Scheme.
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Chief Minister Launched the Plantation Campaign on World Environment Day
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu launched the plantation campaign by planting a Chinar sapling in Shimla on June 5, on the occasion of World Environment Day. Subsequently, on June 25, the Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court, Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia, inaugurated the plantation campaign at the Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Shimla. Head of Forest Force Dr. Sanjay Sood stated that similar efforts would continue at various locations across the state to ensure the success of the special plantation campaign.
JICA Forestry Project Has Planted Saplings on 8,343 Hectares of Land So Far
The JICA Forestry Project has played a significant role in promoting a green revolution in 22 forest divisions of the state by planting various species of saplings on 8,343 hectares of land between 2018 and 2025. As in previous years, the project will continue to work through public participation and departmental initiatives to achieve the objectives of Mission-32.
It is noteworthy that under the state government's ambitious scheme Mukhyamantary Van Vistar Yojana, the project successfully planted various species of saplings on 124 hectares of land last year.
"During this year's Van Mahotsav, we have set a target of planting more than 5 million saplings, including Chinar and other species, across 7,000 to 8,000 hectares of land in the state. The Forest Department is playing a vital role in achieving Mission-32, which aims to increase the green cover of Himachal Pradesh to 32 percent by 2030. The JICA Forestry Project is also doing commendable work in this regard. I appeal to the people of the state to extend their wholehearted support to this campaign and make a valuable contribution towards forest conservation."