The state government is moving forward by combining environmental conservation with employment generation. Under the Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojana launched last year, around 300 women’s groups, 70 youth groups, and 75 other self-help groups carried out plantation activities over nearly 1,100 hectares of land.
Continuing this initiative, the Forest Department has set a target of plantation over approximately 4,000 hectares for the year 2026–27. A total of 1,100 community groups will be involved in this work, including 60 percent women’s groups, 20 percent youth groups, and 20 percent other self-help groups. A budget of around ₹55 crore has been allocated for this scheme.
This initiative is expected to provide employment to nearly 15,000 women. Each group is being provided ₹1.20 lakh per hectare and can undertake plantation work over 2 to 5 hectares. Performance-based incentives have also been included—if more than 50 percent of the saplings survive after one year, an additional incentive of ₹1 lakh per two hectares will be given.
The scheme is not only promoting afforestation on barren land but is also generating livelihood opportunities in rural areas. Youth clubs, women’s groups, and self-help groups are being encouraged to plant fruit-bearing and other useful trees and take care of them, thereby strengthening biodiversity.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the state government is committed to increasing forest cover and has imposed a complete ban on green felling. He added that due to the government’s efforts, forest cover in the state is steadily increasing.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
