Dalhousie Forest Division’s ‘Salix for Soil’ Campaign Becomes Model for Sustainable Soil Conservation

Chamba, July 6, 2025 – In a remarkable step toward environmental conservation, the Dalhousie Forest Division has been running the innovative “Salix for Soil” campaign since 2023, with the goal of preventing soil erosion and enhancing land stability in rainfall-prone areas. According to Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Rajneesh Mahajan, the campaign has already led to the plantation of nearly 27,000 Salix poles across 72 permanent water channels over the past three years.

Soil, the very foundation of life on Earth, takes millennia to form but has been rapidly eroding due to heavy rainfall and landslides. Recognizing the urgency, the forest department, alongside the local community, introduced the planting of Salix trees—locally known as Badah or Bueins—renowned for their moisture absorption and soil-binding properties.

The planting process is unique and cost-free: Salix branches, about 4 feet long, are soaked in flowing water for three days to promote root development and then planted into shallow pits during the rainy season. This year alone, over 13,500 Salix poles have been planted from June 24 to August 15 with no financial expenditure, thanks to active community participation.

Apart from structural measures like check dams and retaining walls, this ecological approach has become a cornerstone of the division’s monsoon activities. The campaign is a testament to how grassroots participation and indigenous knowledge can lead to effective and sustainable environmental solutions.

Mahajan emphasizes that Salix plantations not only prevent landslides but also contribute to biodiversity conservation and climate resilience. With consistent efforts, “Salix for Soil” has evolved into a vital movement for safeguarding the fragile ecosystems of Himachal Pradesh.