The Himachal Pradesh government has unveiled a comprehensive plan to expand the state’s green cover while balancing ecological concerns arising from infrastructure projects.
Responding to questions from MLAs like Kewal Singh Pathania and Sukh Ram Chaudhary, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu emphasized that development and environmental preservation must go hand-in-hand. He acknowledged concerns about uprooting traditional and ornamental trees, such as peepal, during NHAI projects, and assured that restoration efforts will be coordinated with the authority.
The state currently boasts around 68% forest area and 29% green cover, with plans to increase plantation by 2%—covering nearly 24,000 hectares. In financial terms, over ₹8.86 crore was spent on forest protection and ₹53.04 crore on plantation activities in 2024–25, while ₹6.01 crore and ₹26.73 crore have been spent respectively in 2025–26 (till January 31, 2026). At the constituency level, Barsar Assembly has planted 2,33,448 saplings over three years, with survival rates improving between 61% and 95%.
The Rajiv Gandhi Van Sambardhan Yojana, launched in 2025–26, has expanded community participation with plantations over 878 hectares involving 285 Mahila Mandals, 70 Yuvak Mandals, 13 community groups, and 59 self-help groups, with expenditure exceeding ₹13.22 crore. The scheme focuses on survival rates rather than just numbers, marking a shift toward outcome-based forestry.
The Chief Minister encouraged private sector involvement, allowing companies to adopt forest land, support plantations, and implement fencing under frameworks like green credits and green energy initiatives. Public participation is also welcomed, with no technical experience required. Monthly maintenance funds will be provided by the Forest Department, with assurances to address past delays in nursery payments.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
