Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojana

Himachal takes green steps

Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojana: Himachal Pradesh has stepped up its green game. In a meaningful move, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu recently launched the Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojana in Hamirpur. This scheme is all about boosting environmental conservation while also giving local communities new income and employment avenues.

The idea is simple yet powerful—plant fruit-bearing trees in barren forests. This helps the environment and also gives something back to the people in the form of fruit produce and job creation. It’s a win-win.

Goals of the scheme

At its core, the scheme wants to restore ecological balance. But it’s not just about planting trees. It’s about empowering people, especially women and youth, to take charge of their local forests. These trees won’t just provide shade—they’ll give food, bring in money, and make forests more accessible and useful.

Community-led planting helps in creating ownership. When people care for the land, they protect it better.

Local hands in green work

Mahila mandals and self-help groups (SHGs) are the driving force behind the plantations. They aren’t just planting and walking away. These groups are responsible for taking care of the trees for five years. This ensures that trees grow well and don’t just die after planting. Plus, such long-term engagement brings communities together and builds stronger environmental habits.

Corporates and NGOs join in

Big names are pitching in too. Companies like Ambuja, UltraTech, and the Adani Foundation have adopted stretches of forest land to green up. This partnership with the private sector encourages corporate social responsibility (CSR) in a meaningful way. NGOs are also invited to adopt forest patches, increasing the project’s reach.

Van Mitras take charge

To fill gaps in forest staffing, the government has introduced Van Mitras. These are trained individuals, many of them young women, who support forest guards and engage with communities. They don’t just plant—they educate villagers, help in conservation activities, and keep the forest areas secure. This move is both about jobs and ecological awareness.

Green state dream

Himachal’s larger vision is to become a ‘Green State’. That means increasing green cover, reducing degradation, and creating eco-friendly livelihoods. Van Samvardhan Yojana and Van Mitra Yojana are both steps in that direction. It’s not just a policy—it’s a movement towards sustainable living.

Extra initiatives launched

Apart from forest work, three wellness centres have been launched in Hamirpur. A mobile app was also introduced to track Van Mitra attendance. This shows that the government is trying to blend technology, health, and environment together for the good of the people.

Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table