HP govt sets 4,000-hectare plantation target in FY 2026-27

Shimla: Aiming to boost environmental conservation and rural employment, the Himachal Pradesh govt intends to undertake plantation across 4,000 hectares during the financial year 2026-27 under the Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojana (RGVSY).Chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said on Saturday that the state govt aims to increase forest cover and has banned tree felling. Sustained policy efforts are already leading to a steady rise in the forest cover across the state, he added.Building on last year's progress, where nearly 1,100 hectares were covered through the participation of women's groups, youth clubs and self-help groups, the forest department plans to engage around 1,100 community groups this year. Of these, 60% will be women-led groups. A budget of approximately Rs 55 crore has been allocated for the initiative.The scheme is expected to involve nearly 15,000 women in plantation activities, providing them with livelihood opportunities. Participating groups will receive financial assistance per hectare along with performance-based incentives linked to plant survival rates, said the CM.By encouraging community participation, the state govt aims to promote sustainable development, biodiversity conservation and long-term ecological restoration across the state, said Sukhu.MSID:: 130513629 413 |