Himachal Pradesh Strengthens Ties with Bhutan Through Chilgoza Sapling Donation

In a significant gesture to reinforce the bond between India and Bhutan, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has sent 5,000 Chilgoza saplings as a gift. This initiative aims to deepen the friendly ties and promote environmental cooperation between the two Himalayan nations. The Chief Minister also announced plans for further support, including training for Bhutanese officials in Chilgoza cultivation and financial backing for local women's groups in Himachal. This move is part of broader conservation efforts in the state, which have seen an increase in forest area and various green initiatives.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 12, 2026, 14:50 IST

A Green Gesture for Bhutan

Shimla
In a move to enhance the enduring friendship between India and Bhutan, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu initiated the dispatch of a vehicle loaded with 5,000 Chilgoza (pine nut) saplings from the State Secretariat as a gift to Bhutan.

During the event, the Chief Minister emphasized the warm and cordial relationship shared by India and Bhutan, stating that this green initiative would further solidify the friendship between the two Himalayan nations. He pointed out that both Himachal Pradesh and Bhutan possess similar natural heritages, making the exchange of Chilgoza saplings a significant step towards environmental collaboration.

Sukhu announced that the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department would soon send Chilgoza seeds valued at ₹5 lakh to Bhutan. Additionally, Bhutanese forest officials are set to receive training in Chilgoza cultivation, with a delegation from Bhutan expected to visit Himachal Pradesh soon. He also mentioned that local women's groups in Himachal would participate in Chilgoza-related activities and receive financial support, thereby connecting conservation efforts with livelihood opportunities.

He recalled that previously, the state had donated 50 kilograms of Chilgoza seeds to Bhutan. This rare and valuable species from the western Himalayas plays a crucial role in biodiversity, environmental conservation, and the local economy.

Highlighting broader conservation initiatives, Sukhu noted that the forest area in Himachal has expanded by 55 square kilometers due to government efforts. This year, plantation activities are taking place across 9,000 hectares of forest land, with 60 percent of the plants being fruit-bearing. Under the Chief Minister Van Vistar Yojana, efforts are underway to green 600 hectares of barren hills, and since 2019, 2,019 Van Mitras have been appointed for forest protection.

Programs like the Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojana and the Green Adoption Scheme are also being implemented to enhance the green cover in the state.

Present at the ceremony were Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania, Vice-Chairman of the State Forest Corporation Kehar Singh Khachi, along with MLAs, senior officials, and other dignitaries.