Himachal Pradesh Forest Corporation Achieves 10 Crore Profit

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu praised the state's forest corporation for earning over Rs 10 crore profit in FY 2023-24. He urged the swift disposal of timber stocks and announced new operations, including mining in the Beas River. The corporation plans to address staff shortages and reward loyal employees.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday commended the forest corporation for earning profits exceeding Rs 10 crore in the financial year 2023-24, marking a 25 percent increase from the previous year.

During the 214th Board of Directors meeting of the Himachal Pradesh State Forest Development Corporation (HPFSDC), Sukhu directed officials to expedite the disposal of timber stock accumulated in depots to prevent rotting.

He also revealed plans for the HPFSDC to venture into mining activities in the Beas River, pending clearance under the Forest Conservation Act (FCA). Defaulting contractors will be blacklisted and recovery proceedings initiated against them.

Sukhu highlighted the corporation's consistent profits over recent years and announced the engagement of 100 'van veers' to mitigate staff shortages. He assured that the state government would support making the corporation self-reliant and profitable.

The Board also approved employee bonuses for 2022-23, a 4 percent DA installment from April 1, 2024, and the regularization of 80 employees. Profits of Rs 2.50 crore were reported from tree damages in Shimla last monsoon.