8,000 saplings to be planted in Palampur Forest Division
Vikal Sharma
Palampur– Palampur MLA Ashish Butail on Thursday formally inaugurated the Rajiv Gandhi Forest Conservation Scheme and the 76th Forest Division–level Van Mahotsav from Drati Panchayat. On this occasion, he planted an Arjun sapling to mark the beginning of the program.
While extending greetings to all on Van Mahotsav, the MLA said that collective efforts are necessary for the conservation and promotion of forests. He informed that the scheme, launched by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on June 5, aims to promote afforestation and strengthen the rural economy.
He said that under the scheme, women’s groups, youth clubs, self-help groups, and other registered community organizations will be involved in afforestation activities. Fruit-bearing trees will be planted on barren land, which will not only contribute to environmental protection but also provide employment opportunities for local residents.
The MLA informed that the scheme will encourage groups to undertake plantation on 1 to 5 hectares of barren forest land, with the responsibility of maintenance for five years resting with these groups. Financial assistance of up to ₹1.20 lakh per hectare will be provided for plantation work.
He said that the Bhawani Mahila Mandal Tarati of Gram Panchayat Drati will plant 800 saplings on one hectare of land. For this, an MoU has been signed between the Forest Department and the women’s group. He further informed that under the Rajiv Gandhi Forest Conservation Scheme, 8,000 saplings will be planted over 10 hectares in the Palampur Forest Division.
He added that the Chief Minister has launched a plantation drive across the entire state.
On this occasion, Wool Federation Board Member Trilok Chand, Range Forest Officer Aditya Singh, former DFO B.S. Yadav, local Pradhan Sanjay Kumar, officers and employees of the Forest Department, and representatives of various departments were present.
Vikal Sharma
