Himachal forest department launches ambitious reforestation campaign

As per reports in local media in a bold move to restore Himachal Pradesh’s forest cover, the state’s forest department has unveiled an extensive plantation campaign. Their goal is to reforest 9,000 hectares of vacant and barren land. Over the next three months, they plan to plant a staggering ten million trees, rallying support from employees, institutions, and local communities.

This large-scale initiative aims to rejuvenate areas devastated by recent forest fires. By the end of June, these fires had ravaged 26,535 hectares, causing significant ecological and financial losses. The estimated damage amounts to approximately nine crore rupees, with nursery plants across 4,941.285 hectares also destroyed.

The forest department’s reforestation strategy involves adjusting planting density based on plant size. Each hectare will accommodate over 1,000 plants, addressing diverse ecological needs and ensuring optimal growth conditions. This effort seeks to revitalize fire-affected landscapes and enhance biodiversity.

The state-level plantation campaign kicks off on July 23 in Bankhandi, coinciding with Van Mahotsav celebrations. A spokesperson for the forest department confirmed, “Following Van Mahotsav on July 23, we will launch our extensive plantation drive.”

Regions hit hardest by the forest fires include Dharamshala Circle (with the highest incident count) and Mandi (suffering damage across 3,424.02 hectares). Other affected areas include Shimla (3,397 hectares), Bilaspur (3,329 hectares), Solan (2,974 hectares), Hamirpur (2,623 hectares), Chamba (2,093 hectares), Rampur (1,108 hectares), Wildlife South (1,113 hectares), Kullu (174 hectares), and GNP Kullu (69.5 hectares). This plantation campaign represents a crucial step toward ecological restoration and sustainable development in Himachal Pradesh. The forest department aims to foster collective responsibility and environmental stewardship by engaging local communities and institutions. As reforested areas flourish, they are expected to breathe new life into previously barren lands, significantly contributing to the state’s environmental health and resilience.