CM Sukhu Inaugurates 76th State-Level Van Mahotsav in Shimla; Launches Rs. 100 Crore ‘Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojna’ Across Himachal.
Shimla:
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today inaugurated the 76th State-Level Van Mahotsav in Kanlog, Shimla, marking a significant step towards the state’s commitment to environmental protection and sustainable forest management. During the event, he also launched the ‘Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojna’, a flagship state-wide afforestation and community participation programme aimed at conserving forests and strengthening the rural economy.
To mark the occasion, the Chief Minister planted a deodar sapling, symbolizing the beginning of this year’s extensive plantation drive across the state. He also held a virtual interaction with Ministers and MLAs across Himachal Pradesh, who participated in the plantation drive in their respective Assembly constituencies.
Van Mahotsav: A Lifeline Celebration
Addressing the gathering, CM Sukhu emphasized that Van Mahotsav celebrates forests as the Earth’s lifeline, highlighting their role in ecological balance, biodiversity, and livelihood. He announced that 9,000 hectares of forest land would be brought under plantation this year under various schemes, with 60% of the saplings being fruit-bearing, promoting both ecological and economic benefits.
Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojna: A People-Led Green Mission
The newly launched Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojna is designed to promote public participation in forest development, with a focus on involving Mahila Mandals, Yuvak Mandals, Self-Help Groups, and Joint Forest Management Committees. These groups will be responsible for planting and nurturing trees on 1 to 5 hectares of designated forest land for a period of five years.
- The state has allocated Rs. 100 crore to support this initiative.
- In 2025 alone, plantations will take place across 1,000 to 1,500 hectares at a cost of Rs. 20 crore.
- Additionally, Rs. 1.2 lakh per hectare has been earmarked for maintenance of plantations.
CM Sukhu personally handed over cheques of Rs. 1 lakh each to various Mahila Mandals to support plantation activities under the scheme. He also distributed Rs. 50,000 cheques to beneficiaries under the JICA project for livelihood support.
Forest Department Reforms & Financial Discipline
Highlighting administrative reforms, the Chief Minister stated that the government is working towards “Vyavastha Parivartan” (Systemic Transformation) by ensuring financial discipline and reorienting the functioning of the Forest Department. He encouraged officials to increase field presence, focusing on forest expansion and conservation over office-bound routines.
He also noted that the government’s natural farming initiatives and rural livelihood schemes are gaining national recognition, reflecting Himachal’s progressive approach to environmental and economic sustainability.
Presence of Key Dignitaries
The event was attended by several notable dignitaries including:
- MLAs Harish Janartha and Suresh Kumar
- Mayor Surinder Chauhan and Deputy Mayor Uma Kaushal
- Chief Minister’s Principal Advisor Gokul Butail
- Advocate General Anup Kumar Rattan
- Additional Chief Secretary K.K. Pant
- Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Sanjay Sood
- Local councillor Alok Singh Pathania and other officials.
Senior forest officials provided detailed presentations on the progress of ongoing forest development projects and future action plans.
A Vision for a Greener Himachal
CM Sukhu reaffirmed the government’s ambitious target to increase forest cover to 30% by 2030, aligning with national and global sustainability goals. The launch of the Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojna and the 76th Van Mahotsav exemplify the state’s dedication to inclusive, community-led environmental action that benefits both nature and the economy.
