Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
Himachal CM Sukhu launches ‘Rajiv Gandhi Van Sanvardhan Yojana’ and ‘Green Adoption Scheme’
Emphasizes community role in forest conservation
Babushahi Bureau
Hamirpur (Himachal Pradesh), June 2, 2025: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today launched two key environmental initiatives—Rajiv Gandhi Van Sanvardhan Yojana and the Green Adoption Scheme—aimed at expanding forest cover and involving communities and corporates in forest conservation efforts.
At an event in Hamirpur, the Chief Minister awarded certificates to two women’s groups from Nadaun (Amlehad and Bhawda), who will each undertake plantation activities across two hectares of degraded forest land and maintain them for five years.
The scheme promotes afforestation with fruit-bearing trees on barren forest lands and also creates livelihood opportunities by involving Mahila Mandals, youth clubs, and self-help groups.
Corporates Join Green Push
Under the first phase of the Green Adoption Scheme, Ambuja Cement has adopted 25 hectares, Adani Foundation 10 hectares, and Ultratech Cement another 10 hectares of forest land for plantation and maintenance.
CM Sukhu awarded certificates to these corporations and hailed their participation as a part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), underscoring the link between environmental protection and sustainable business.
Forest Guards of the Future
The CM also inspected the passing-out parade of newly appointed Van Mitras (Forest Friends) and interacted with them. He pointed out the acute shortage of field staff in the Forest Department and highlighted that the Van Mitra initiative was launched to address this gap.
“Selections were merit-based, and we are proud that many daughters have led the way,” said the CM. He assured them that their future roles and policies concerning them would be considered seriously.
“You are the true guardians of our forests. Your role must go beyond just protection—you must raise awareness among local communities too,” CM Sukhu told the Van Mitras.
He urged them to remain alert against illegal logging, forest fires, and participate in afforestation drives by mobilizing public involvement. “Your pledge today is not just a formality—it represents commitment, reverence, and responsibility towards our forests,” he added.
A Green Vision for Himachal
CM Sukhu reiterated his government’s commitment to transforming Himachal Pradesh into a “Green State”, highlighting the crucial role forests play in the state's culture, economy, tourism, and ecological balance. “From the very first day in office, we began work on this vision,” he noted.
The state has implemented several successful initiatives under the Forest Department, including the Van Mitra Yojana, which aims to provide employment, bring people closer to conservation, and ensure that the benefits of forestry reach the grassroots.
New Wellness Centres & Recognitions
The CM also announced three new wellness centres under Hamirpur Municipal Corporation and released the souvenir ‘Samvaad’ and a book titled ‘The Mountains: Wilderness of Spiti’. A mobile app was also launched to record Van Mitras' attendance digitally.
Officials recognized for exemplary work included Rakesh Kumar and his team from Palampur, and Forest Officer Abhilash Damodar from Chamba.
Dignitaries Present
The event was attended by Forest Additional Chief Secretary K.K. Pant, PCCF (HoFF) Sameer Rastogi, local MLA Capt. Ranjit Singh Rana, CM’s Political Advisor Sunil Sharma, and several chairpersons of state-run boards and corporations, along with district officials and Congress leaders.