‘Swarnim Vatika’ drive launched

Himachal Pradesh Geography and Environment

As part of the celebrations of 50 years of Statehood of Himachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur planted a cherry blossom, commonly known as ‘pajja’, at Kareru Forest near Shimla.
He inaugurated the year-long celebrations by the Forest Department and congratulated it for taking the initiative to establish ‘Swarnim Vatika’ in each Assembly constituency. He said this would create aesthetic spots for people to relax and enjoy.
The initiative would also enhance the forest cover of the state and would sensitise and educate the people of the urban and semi urban community about the importance of forests and its conservation by involving them in the plantation activities.
Forest, Youth Services and Sports Minister Rakesh Pathania said at least 68 ‘Swarnim Vatikas’ would be established in the State in different Assembly constituencies during the coming year.
800 saplings of cherry blossom are proposed to be planted, which has medicinal properties and is considered to be useful in getting rid of burning sensation in body.