The Himachal Pradesh government has announced an ambitious plan to boost environmental conservation and rural employment by undertaking plantation across 4,000 hectares during the financial year 2026-27 under the Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojana (RGVSY).
Chief Minister's Announcement
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu stated on Saturday that the state government aims to increase forest cover and has imposed a ban on tree felling. He added that sustained policy efforts are already leading to a steady rise in forest cover across the state.
Community Participation
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.
Livelihood Opportunities for Women
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.
Sustainable Development Goals
By encouraging community participation, the state government aims to promote sustainable development, biodiversity conservation, and long-term ecological restoration across the state, according to Sukhu.
