HP aims to expand forest cover to 32% by 2030

Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh govt has launched an environmental initiative, ‘Mission-32 Percent', aimed at increasing the state's green cover from the existing 29.5% to 32% by 2030.The forest department has begun preparations and strategic interventions to strengthen ecological resilience and promote sustainable development across the state. Chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said the govt was committed to environmental conservation through renewable energy promotion, natural farming, plastic waste management and sustainable mountain development.Sukhu said the initiative would help establish Himachal Pradesh as a model green Himalayan state focused on climate action and ecological sustainability.The state govt has fixed a plantation target covering 8,000 hectares during the financial year 2026-27, with special emphasis on indigenous and fruit-bearing tree species. Plantation and eco-restoration works are being carried out under the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority, externally aided projects and various departmental schemes.The initiative is also expected to create sustainable livelihood opportunities for rural communities through afforestation, agro-forestry and eco-restoration activities. Under the Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojana, plantation activities will be undertaken on nearly 4,000 hectares through 1,100 community groups in 2026-27. Of these, 60% of groups will comprise women, 20% youth groups and the remaining 20% other self-help groups.a comprehensive affidavit about the project.