Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu launched the Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojana aimed at increasing the state’s green cover through afforestation of barren and degraded forest lands.

The scheme actively involves local women’s groups, youth, and self-help groups, providing financial incentives and support to promote sustainable forest management. This initiative is part of the state’s broader vision to become a ‘Green Energy State’ by 2026.

Key Points:

• The Yojana focuses on planting fruit-bearing trees on degraded forest lands to enhance green cover in Himachal Pradesh.
• Local community groups, including women’s and youth organizations, are engaged in tree plantation and maintenance activities.
• Financial assistance includes an initial grant of ?2.4 lakh per two hectares, with annual incentives for tree survival rates above 50%.
• Corporates and NGOs are encouraged to adopt barren forest lands under a ‘Green Adoption Scheme’ for afforestation projects.
• The government appointed ‘Van Mitras’ as community forest protectors to address forest staff shortages, with emphasis on youth and women.