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Himachal Pradesh launches Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojana with community and corporate partners

Local women’s collectives, van mitras, corporate sponsors collaborate in afforestation efforts to boost employment.

CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu during the passing-out parade of newly appointed ‘van mitras’ in Hamirpur on Monday. (HT Photo)
Photo: SNS

Overview

  • Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu inaugurated the scheme in Hamirpur on June 2 to restore degraded forest lands by planting fruit-bearing trees under community-driven management.
  • The Green Adoption Scheme drew Ambuja Company, Adani Foundation and UltraTech into initial afforestation of a combined 45 hectares of barren forest lands.
  • Amlehar and Bhawdan Mahila Mandals from Nadaun received five-year mandates to plant and maintain trees on two hectares each.
  • Newly appointed van mitras have begun grassroots forest protection roles to address staff shortages, with a notable surge in young women recruits.
  • Supporting initiatives include three new wellness centres in Hamirpur, a mobile app for tracking van mitra attendance and expanded reservations for women in police recruitment.