PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh Launches Plantation Drive under Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojana
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Shimla, August 24 – Public Works and Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh carried out plantation in Ghaderi Panchayat under the *Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojana*. A total of 1,600 saplings will be planted in the panchayat, while 24,000 have already been planted in Basantpur division. Singh said the ₹100-crore scheme aims to strengthen community-based forest conservation and development over five years. Women mandals, youth clubs, and self-help groups are being engaged, with each group responsible for plantation and maintenance of 1–5 hectares. Financial support of up to ₹1.20 lakh per hectare and survival-based incentives will also be provided.
During his two-day Shimla Rural tour, the minister also held the “Mantri Aapke Dwar” programme in Dharogra, where several grievances were redressed on the spot. He announced additional ₹20 lakh for the Dharogra-Dalog road project and reviewed its progress.
He further informed that the ₹25-crore *Pandoa Khad–Kel Bagri lift water supply scheme*, a dream project of former CM Virbhadra Singh, is nearing completion and will soon provide round-the-clock water to six panchayats.
In Bag Panchayat, he announced ₹5 lakh from MLA funds for road works, while in Bharara Panchayat he assured the construction of a new *Panchayat Ghar* and sanctioned ₹35 lakh for two bridges.
Notably, Singh chose to stay overnight at the residence of a local worker in Himri village instead of a PWD rest house, underlining his effort to spend more time with people and understand their concerns.
Several dignitaries, including HP Cooperative Bank Director Hari Kishan Himral, Zila Parishad member Reena Kashyap, local representatives, and community leaders, were present.
