Feature-‘Mission 32 percent’: Himachal advancing towards forest expansion

• From forest expansion to public participation: A convergence of ecology and livelihoods

SHIMLA-5^th April, 2026-The State Government in its Budget for Fiscal 2026-27, has announced a visionary and ambitious initiative 'Mission 32 Percent'. Under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the mission aims to increase the state's forest cover from the existing 29.50 percent to 32 percent by the year 2030. According to the Chief Minister, this decision marks "a major step towards making Himachal a Green Himalayan State" and is expected to enhance biodiversity. The target is not merely statistical, it forms part of a broader strategy to address climate change, maintain ecological balance and ensure sustainable development.

To achieve this objective, the state government has, over the past three years, introduced several innovative initiatives that integrate forest expansion, conservation and community participation. Among these, the Mukhyamantri Van Vistaar Yojana stands out as a key intervention. The scheme aims to convert barren and unproductive hills into green landscapes. In its very first year, plantation activities were carried out on nearly 600 hectares of barren land. Plantation is being undertaken on forest land through various projects, with 60 percent of fruit-bearing saplings. This approach not only strengthens environmental conservation but also creates future livelihood opportunities for local communities.

Similarly, the Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojana represents a significant step towards the rejuvenation of forest areas. Large-scale plantation is being carried out on forest land, supported by dedicated financial provisions for maintenance is major component of the scheme. An amount of Rs. 1.20 lakh per hectare is being provided to ensure not only plantation but also the survival and proper upkeep of saplings. The scheme is being implemented on the ground through self-help groups, Mahila Mandals and youth groups, thereby generating employment and strengthening the rural economy.

Further reinforcing the participatory model, the government has also launched the Green Adoption Scheme to transform afforestation into a mass movement. Private enterprises, companies and non-governmental organisations can adopt degraded forest land for plantation and conservation activities under this initiative. This model promotes corporate social responsibility while ensuring active participation of private sector in environmental conservation. It reduces dependence on government resources and accelerates the scale of green initiatives across the state.

The cumulative impact of these initiatives is steering Himachal Pradesh steadily towards the vision of a 'Green Himachal'. Alongside increasing forest cover, these efforts are contributing to biodiversity conservation, protection of water sources and mitigation of climate change impacts.

By placing 'Mission 32 Percent' at the core of the Fiscal 2026-27 budget and complementing it with targeted policies and programmes for forest conservation and expansion, the state government has demonstrated its strong resolve to balance development with environmental sustainability. These initiatives not only address present ecological concerns but also lay a strong foundation for a cleaner, safer and more prosperous environment for future generations.