State targets increase in Green Cover from 29.5 to 32 percent by 2030

· Intensifies green initiatives to strengthen ecological resilience and sustainable livelihoods

To give a major green push to the state, the present government has launched the ambitious ‘Mission-32 Percent’ with the aim of increasing Himachal Pradesh’s green cover to 32 percent by the year 2030. In line with the vision of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the Forest Department has initiated extensive preparatory measures and strategic interventions to strengthen the ecological resilience of the state. A comprehensive strategy is being developed to effectively implement various initiatives and achieve the targeted outcomes.

The initiative marks a significant step towards establishing Himachal as a model Green Himalayan State dedicated to environmental sustainability and climate action. At present, the forest cover of the state stands at 29.5 percent, which is proposed to be enhanced to 32 percent by 2030. The expansion of forest cover is expected to play a vital role in biodiversity conservation, ecological restoration, soil and water conservation and mitigating the adverse impacts of climate change.

Apart from environmental benefits, the initiative is also expected to generate sustainable livelihood opportunities for rural communities through afforestation, eco-restoration, agro-forestry and community participation. To achieve these objectives, plantation and eco-restoration activities are being carried out under various forestry programmes, including CAMPA, externally aided projects and other departmental schemes. During the financial year 2026-27, a plantation target covering 8,000 hectares has been fixed with special emphasis on fruit-bearing and indigenous tree species to improve ecological balance and strengthen rural livelihoods.

Since assuming office, the present state government led by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has undertaken several pioneering green initiatives to promote environmental conservation and sustainable development in the state. These include large-scale afforestation drives under schemes such as Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojna, Mukhya Mantri Van Vistar Yojna and Rajiv Gandhi Green Adoption Scheme.

Under Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojna, a target has been set to undertake plantation activities on nearly 4,000 hectares through 1,100 community groups during 2026-27. Of these, 60 percent will comprise women groups, 20 percent youth groups and 20 percent other self-help groups.

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said, ‘ The State Government remains fully committed to environmental conservation and will continue to promote renewable energy, natural farming, plastic waste management and sustainable mountain development as key pillars of its green growth strategy.’ Through these collective efforts, Himachal Pradesh aims to emerge as a leading example of ecological stewardship and sustainable development in the country, he added.