Himachal Pradesh Sets Ambitious Green Goals with Major Planting Drive

The Himachal Pradesh Forest Department aims to plant saplings on 9,000 hectares this year, as part of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu's initiative to transform Himachal Pradesh into a Green Energy State by 2026. The state has also introduced measures for tree disposal and launched beta testing of e-forest software.

The Himachal Pradesh Forest Department has set an ambitious target to plant saplings on 9,000 hectares of land across the state this year, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced on Tuesday.

Sukhu noted that the current administration has launched several initiatives aimed at converting Himachal Pradesh into a Green Energy State by March 31, 2026. During the inauguration of the 75th state-level Van Mahotsav, Sukhu planted an oak sapling at his official residence, Oak Over, marking the start of this ambitious plan. Additionally, the chief minister introduced a Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) for the disposal of unattended dry and salvage trees, allowing for the cutting of up to two trees at the forest guard level and 25 trees at the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) level.

In a bid to accelerate tree removal for linear projects following the first phase approval of the Forest Conservation Act, powers have been delegated to DFOs and officers of the State Forest Development Corporation. Sukhu also launched beta testing of the e-forest software, designed to streamline departmental operations and enhance transparency.

The chief minister highlighted the goal of increasing the plantation of fruit trees in forest areas from 30 percent to 60 percent, expecting significant benefits within the next decade. Furthermore, the state government has decided to close down the construction wing of the Forest Department to allow it to focus exclusively on core forestry activities. Notably, in the Lahaul-Spiti district, Mahila Mandals have been engaged in plantation activities, contributing to forest conservation and generating revenue for these women's groups.

(With inputs from agencies.)