In a significant move to curb illegal deforestation and protect the state’s green cover, the Himachal Pradesh Cabinet has approved stricter regulations on tree felling.
The decision, taken during the first Cabinet meeting of 2025 chaired by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu in Shimla on Thursday (January 9, 2025), comes in the wake of the Dharampur forest-cutting controversy, which has drawn widespread criticism.
Massive stock was found at depot linked to MLA’s wife
The scandal surfaced last month when a massive stockpile of illegally felled timber was discovered in a forest depot allegedly linked to Congress MLA Chandershekhar’s wife.
The depot, located in Dharampur, was found hoarding an unusually large quantity of wood, raising questions about potential political involvement in the illegal activity. The revelations caused a political uproar, with opposition NJP leaders demanding strict action and the government pledging to strengthen forest protection laws.
To address these concerns, the Cabinet has decided to ban tree felling. Tree cutting will now be prohibited across the state except for safeda, poplar and bamboo. The felling of khair trees will be allowed only under a 10-year program for regulated sale.
Area surrounding Tara Devi Temple in Shimla declared green belt
To protect strengthen environmental, the area surrounding Tara Devi Temple in Shimla district has been brought under the ambit of Green Area to minimize human intervention and protect the environment.
The guidelines for Sarkar Gaon Ke Dwar programme were approved to address grievances of residents in remote areas.
Special task force formed to fight drug abuse
A special task force has been constituted to combat drug abuse, dismantle trafficking networks and tackle organised crime.
The mandate for allotting and monitoring hydro, solar and other renewable energy projects above 5 MW has been assigned to the Department of Energy. A 1 MW Green Hydrogen project in Nalagarh will also be established.
The Cabinet reiterated its request to the Government of India to adopt a 90:10 funding formula for the power component of the Kishau Multipurpose Project, akin to the water component, or provide a 50-year interest-free loan for the state’s share in the project.
The Himachal Pradesh Sadbhawana Legacy Cases Resolution Scheme 2025 was approved to settle pending tax cases and arrears under subsumed enactments like VAT and CST.
