Himachal: CM Directs Forest Department to Prepare Comprehensive Plan to Achieve 31% Forest Cover by 2030
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed the Forest Department to prepare a comprehensive and phased action plan to increase the state’s forest cover to 31 percent by 2030. Chairing a review meeting on Monday, the CM said that the current forest cover of the state stands at 29.5 percent and needs to be increased systematically and sustainably.
Highlighting the adverse effects of global warming, Sukhu emphasized that environmental conservation is a top priority for the state government. He instructed the Forest Department to identify suitable areas for plantation in each district and focus on planting native species, fruit-bearing, and medicinal plants.
The CM also stressed that the department should not only focus on expanding new forests but also on the protection of existing forests and ensure active participation of local communities. In this regard, the state government has launched the Rajiv Gandhi Forest Conservation Scheme. Last year, under this initiative, 924.9 hectares were planted, with active participation from 285 women groups, 70 youth groups, 59 self-help groups, and 13 community-based organizations.
For the upcoming financial year, the scheme targets 5,000 hectares for plantation, of which 3,376 hectares have already been identified while the remaining 1,624 hectares are under survey. The review meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary K.K. Pant, PCCF (HoFF) Sanjay Sood, and other senior forest department officials.
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