Government Combines Forest Conservation and Employment Opportunities: CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.
He Lays Foundation for Rs. 1.60 Crore Forest Rest House in Theog.
Shimla:
In a significant move to integrate forest conservation with employment generation, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu virtually laid the foundation stone for a Forest Rest House at Sara Gadakufar in Theog, Shimla district. The development of this facility, estimated at Rs. 1.60 crore, is expected to boost tourism and eco-tourism in the region, which is known for its breathtaking natural beauty.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister emphasized the immense tourism potential of the area, which attracts a large number of visitors annually. However, he pointed out that despite the area’s popularity, there were no adequate rest house facilities within a 25-kilometre radius, making it challenging for tourists and pilgrims to find suitable accommodation. The new Forest Rest House, once completed, will fill this gap, providing enhanced comfort and convenience for visitors.
The Chief Minister also highlighted that the Forest Department currently owns about 450 rest houses across the state, many of which can be utilized to promote eco-tourism for sustainable tourism development. In line with this vision, several eco-tourism sites have already been identified, with a process underway for allocating additional sites. To date, seven eco-tourism sites have been allocated, and 78 more are set to be earmarked soon.
A major aspect of the Chief Minister’s address was the state’s afforestation efforts. Over the past two years, afforestation activities have been carried out on 600 hectares of barren hills, with active involvement from local communities. This initiative aims to provide employment opportunities to locals while also enhancing the environment. The government has set an ambitious target to undertake plantation on 5,000 hectares of forest land in the financial year 2025-26, with a focus on fruit-bearing and economically beneficial species. This effort is expected to contribute to biodiversity conservation, reduce human-wildlife conflict, and provide sustainable livelihoods.
In a move aimed at further boosting afforestation and local participation, the Chief Minister also announced the launch of the Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojana, with a provision of Rs. 100 crore in the 2025-26 budget. Under this scheme, youth clubs, women’s groups, and self-help groups will be encouraged to plant and maintain fruit-bearing trees on barren forest lands. Each participating group will receive financial support of Rs. 6.40 lakh over five years to cover plantation, fencing, and maintenance costs.
MLA Kuldeep Singh Rathore expressed his gratitude to the Chief Minister for approving the Forest Rest House project, highlighting its importance in promoting tourism and horticultural activities in the region. He also spoke about the State Government’s efforts to support apple growers, particularly through the introduction of the Universal Carton system, which has helped curb exploitation.
In conclusion, the event was attended by several prominent figures, including Vice Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh Forest Development Corporation, Kehar Singh Khachi, Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh Cooperative Bank, Devendra Shyam, Additional Chief Secretary K.K. Pant, and other key officials.
This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to creating a sustainable balance between environmental conservation and local employment opportunities, benefiting both the local communities and the state’s growing tourism sector.
