Greening Himachal: 1,820 hectares set to bloom under plantation drive

In a significant move towards environmental restoration, the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department, in collaboration with the JICA Forestry Project, is set to green 1,820 hectares of barren and degraded land across the state this year. The ambitious tree plantation campaign will be launched during the upcoming Van Mahotsav, the state’s annual tree-planting festival.

The initiative is part of a multi-pronged afforestation effort, combining state government schemes, international support and grassroots community participation to combat deforestation and land degradation.

According to officials, the Forest Department will directly undertake plantation activities on 1,000 hectares, while an additional 600 hectares will be covered under the Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojana, a programme launched by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu in Hamirpur on June 2.

Separately, the JICA Forestry Project has set a target of planting trees across 220 hectares, to be achieved through both departmental efforts and active public engagement.

Last year’s success fuels momentum

Building on previous success, the JICA project had greened 1,296 hectares in the previous year, while another 100 hectares were restored under the Mukhyamantri Van Vistaar Yojana (Chief Minister’s Forest Expansion Scheme).

This year, the focus is not just on quantity, but quality and sustainability. The plantations will largely consist of fruit-bearing trees, offering a dual benefit: enhancing green cover while supporting local livelihoods through future fruit production.

What sets this initiative apart is its deep emphasis on community participation. Mahila Mandals, self-help groups (SHGs) and Youth Clubs will play a central role — not just in planting, but also in nurturing the saplings for five years, ensuring higher survival rates and local accountability.

“These groups are the backbone of our forest restoration effort,” said an official from the Forest Department. “By involving women, youth and local communities, we’re building long-term stewardship for Himachal’s green future.” To make the mission sustainable, the government is offering logistical and training support to participating groups.

Himachal Tribune