CM Sukhu today inaugurated the 76th State-Level Van Mahotsav at Kanlog, Shimla, by planting a deodar sapling and launching the Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojna across all Assembly constituencies of Himachal Pradesh.
During the event, the CM virtually interacted with Ministers and MLAs, discussing comprehensive forest conservation and afforestation strategies. He emphasized that Van Mahotsav serves as a reminder of the vital role forests play as the lifeline of the Earth.
Sukhu announced that around 9,000 hectares of forest land would be reforested this year under various schemes, with 60 percent of the saplings being fruit-bearing. The government aims to increase forest cover to 30 percent by 2030 and protect the state’s rich biodiversity.
Under the Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojna, Mahila Mandals, Yuvak Mandals, Self-Help Groups, and Joint Forest Committees will adopt 1 to 5 hectares of forest land for five years. They will be responsible for plantation and care. A budget provision of ₹100 crore has been allocated for the scheme.
This year, saplings are being planted on 1,000 to 1,500 hectares at a cost of ₹20 crore, with an additional ₹1.2 lakh per hectare earmarked for sapling maintenance.
CM Sukhu stressed on financial discipline and governance reforms, encouraging forest officers to engage more actively in fieldwork. He also highlighted government initiatives aimed at creating rural employment and promoting natural farming, which have received national recognition.
On the occasion, he distributed cheques of ₹1 lakh each to Mahila Mandals under the Van Samvardhan Yojna and ₹50,000 cheques to JICA project beneficiaries to support livelihood activities.
Additional Chief Secretary K.K. Pant, PCCF Sanjay Sood, MLAs Harish Janartha and Suresh Kumar, Mayor Surinder Chauhan, Deputy Mayor Uma Kaushal, and other senior dignitaries were present.
