Chandigarh, May 21, 2026:Sh. H. Rajesh Prasad, Chief Secretary, UT Chandigarh, today reviewed the status of ongoing projects and schemes being implemented by the Forest Department, Department of Environment, Department of Science & Technology & Renewable Energy (DST&RE), and the Chandigarh Pollution Control Committee (CPCC). The review meeting was attended by Sh. Mandip Singh Brar, Secretary Forest; Sh. Saurabh Kumar, Chief Conservator of Forests-cum-Chief Wildlife Warden; Mr. Anup Kumar Soni, Conservator of Forests-cum-Addl. Director Environment; Sh. Nitish Singla, Director Science & Technology & Renewable Energy, along with other senior officers.

During the meeting, the Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) gave a detailed presentation on the forest and tree cover of Chandigarh and highlighted various initiatives being undertaken for the scientific management of forests and integrated development of wildlife habitats.

The Chief Secretary was informed that against the plantation target of 5,76,221 saplings under the Greening Chandigarh Action Plan 2025-26, a total of 6,64,133 saplings were planted by various greening agencies and stakeholders, achieving an overall survival rate of around 79 per cent up to March 2026. The meeting was also apprised about key initiatives being undertaken by the department, including the Wildlife Survey in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, Fish Diversity Study and the Wetland Mitras Programme.

Sh. Mandip Singh Brar, Secretary Forest, informed that the Plantation Plan for 2026-27 is in the final stage of preparation and that the department is focusing on quality plantation rather than quantity. He stated that the plantation target for the current year has been fixed at 4,10,725 saplings, including distribution.

He further informed that the department is also working on a project for the development of a City Forest in the Sukhna Choe forest area. The project aims to promote conservation and ecological awareness, sustainable eco-tourism, awareness generation, education and capacity building, besides encouraging behavioural and experiential learning outcomes. The vision of the project is to create greater public awareness regarding the protection and conservation of forests, wildlife and the environment through nature-based learning opportunities, while promoting eco-tourism in an ecologically sustainable and economically viable manner.

Reviewing the initiatives, the Chief Secretary directed the department to ensure scientific management and adequate protection of forests. He emphasized that plantation activities should be undertaken only after careful assessment of site-specific requirements and suitable species should be planted and properly maintained for better growth and survival. He also directed that the preparation of the Working Plan for scientific forest management be expedited. In urban areas, he stressed the need to promote plantation of suitable colourful shrubs for enhancing the city’s landscape.

Sh. Nitish Singla, Director Science & Technology & Renewable Energy, also made a presentation on various schemes being implemented by DST&RE, including Research & Development Support to Research Institutions, Popularization of Science, PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana and the Electric Vehicle Policy.

The Chief Secretary emphasized that the Research & Development Scheme should focus on promoting innovation, strengthening scientific research and ensuring tangible outcomes with wider societal impact. He further observed that the Popularization of Science programme may be expanded and integrated with Eco-Club activities. He directed that all ongoing projects under the department should be completed within a period of three months.