HP working to achieve 30 per cent forest cover by 2030

SHIMLA: Himachal Pradesh government is targeting a 30 per cent increase in the state’s total forest cover by 2030. The authorities will reach the set target by incorporating public movement. A press release of the Central Government highlighted that in 2019 over 26 lakh saplings were planted by 1,18,932 people in a five-day campaign across the country, showing the effectiveness of public incorporation in the movement.

In order to reach the target, Himachal Pradesh government has started a new project ‘HP Forest Eco System Management and Livelihood Improvement’ worth Rs 800 crore funded by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The project has been implemented in six districts of the state – Kullu, Mandi, Lahaul-Spiti, Bilaspur, Shimla and Kinnaur.

They are also in the process of implementation of HP Forest Ecosystem Climate Proofing Project in Kangra and Chamba districts, a project worth Rs 310 crore. HP Forest Department will also be allotting plots in forest lands for plantation under the Vidyarthi Van Mitra Yojana. Another scheme called Samudayik Van Samvardhan Yojna will also be providing value addition and marketing at local level by collecting herbs from rural forests.