Himachal Launches ‘Mission 32 Percent’ to Expand Forest Cover
In its 2026–27 Budget, the Himachal Pradesh government has unveiled an ambitious initiative called Mission 32 Percent. Spearheaded by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the mission seeks to raise the state’s forest cover from the current 29.5% to 32% by 2030. The Chief Minister described the move as a “major step towards making Himachal a Green Himalayan State,” highlighting its role in biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable development.
Key Initiatives Driving the Mission
Over the past three years, the government has rolled out several innovative schemes to expand and protect forests while involving local communities:
- Mukhyamantri Van Vistaar Yojana: Focused on turning barren hills into green landscapes, this scheme planted saplings across 600 hectares in its first year. Notably, 60% of the saplings are fruit-bearing, ensuring both ecological benefits and future livelihood opportunities.
- Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojana: Designed to rejuvenate forest areas, this program provides ₹1.20 lakh per hectare for plantation and maintenance. Implementation through self-help groups, Mahila Mandals, and youth collectives not only ensures sapling survival but also generates rural employment.
- Green Adoption Scheme: Encourages private enterprises, NGOs, and companies to adopt degraded forest land for plantation and conservation. This model strengthens corporate social responsibility, reduces reliance on government resources, and accelerates afforestation efforts.
Building a Green Future
Together, these initiatives are steadily steering Himachal towards its vision of a Green Himachal. Beyond increasing forest cover, they contribute to biodiversity protection, water source conservation, and climate change mitigation.
By placing Mission 32 Percent at the heart of the 2026–27 Budget, the government has signaled its commitment to balancing development with environmental sustainability. The mission is not just about numbers—it lays the foundation for a cleaner, safer, and more prosperous environment for generations to come.
