Palampur Launches Major Tree Plantation Initiative

Palampur has launched a significant tree plantation initiative under the Rajiv Gandhi Forest Conservation Scheme, inaugurated by MLA Ashish Butail. The program aims to promote afforestation and strengthen the rural economy by involving community groups in planting fruit-bearing trees on barren land. With a target of planting 8,000 saplings across 10 hectares, this initiative not only focuses on environmental conservation but also aims to create job opportunities for local residents. The Chief Minister has also initiated a statewide plantation drive, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts in forest conservation.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 15, 2025, 16:05 IST

Inauguration of the Rajiv Gandhi Forest Conservation Scheme

Palampur – On Thursday, Ashish Butail, the MLA of Palampur, officially launched the Rajiv Gandhi Forest Conservation Scheme along with the 76th Van Mahotsav at Drati Panchayat. He marked the event by planting an Arjun sapling, symbolizing the start of this important initiative.

During the Van Mahotsav celebrations, the MLA emphasized the importance of collective action for forest conservation and enhancement. He shared that the scheme, introduced by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on June 5, is designed to boost afforestation efforts and support the rural economy.

Under this initiative, various community organizations, including women's groups, youth clubs, and self-help groups, will participate in planting activities. The plan includes planting fruit-bearing trees on unproductive land, which will not only aid in environmental preservation but also create job opportunities for local inhabitants.

The MLA explained that the scheme encourages groups to cultivate 1 to 5 hectares of barren forest land, with these groups responsible for maintaining the area for five years. Financial support of up to ₹1.20 lakh per hectare will be available for the plantation efforts.

He noted that the Bhawani Mahila Mandal Tarati from Gram Panchayat Drati is set to plant 800 saplings on one hectare of land, following a memorandum of understanding with the Forest Department. Additionally, the Rajiv Gandhi Forest Conservation Scheme aims to plant a total of 8,000 saplings across 10 hectares in the Palampur Forest Division.

Furthermore, the Chief Minister has initiated a statewide plantation campaign.

Present at the event were Wool Federation Board Member Trilok Chand, Range Forest Officer Aditya Singh, former DFO B.S. Yadav, local Pradhan Sanjay Kumar, along with various officers and representatives from different departments.