Shimla, Jul 4 (PTI) About 257 hectares of barren hilltops in Himachal Pradesh will soon undergo a green transformation as the forest department has set a target to carry out an afforestation drive in the hilltops spread across 15 forest divisions in the state, a statement said on Tuesday. Plantations will be started on large chunks of the barren hills to increase the green cover by planting eco-friendly species under the ‘Mukhya Mantri Green Cover Mission’ this financial year. The mission aims to increase the green cover and also intends to eradicate wild obnoxious weeds on the hilltops.
The forest department has identified specific areas for the plantation during this monsoon season. These include 30 hectares in Kullu Forest Division, 25 hectares each in Nahan and Solan, and 20 hectares in Kinnaur Forest Division, among others, it said.
“Additionally, the department has been directed to prepare a work plan to plant on approximately 10,000 hectares of land under various other departmental schemes,” Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said. To ensure the success of the Mission, the forest officials have been assigned the responsibility of monitoring the plantations and ensuring their survival, he added.
“Recognising the significance of the rich biodiversity of the hill state, the government is taking proactive measures to increase the forest cover,” Sukhu was quoted as saying in the statement, adding that the Mukhya Mantri Green Cover Mission signifies the state’s determination to preserve its natural heritage for future generations.
The chief minister further emphasised for effectively utilising the allocated funds for the Mission and ensure its success. The state aspires to enhance its forest cover and set an example for other regions, fostering for a greener and more sustainable future, he added.
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