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.

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State disburses Rs. 14.68 Crore under Gopal Yojana for welfare of destitute cattle

The State Government has taken significant steps to address the growing issue of stray and destitute cattle while safeguarding the interests of farmers. During the financial year 2025–26, an amount of Rs. 14.68 crore has been disbursed under the Gopal Yojana as a maintenance grant to ensure proper care, shelter and well-being of abandoned and destitute cows across the state.

Recognizing the serious challenges posed by stray cattle, particularly the damage caused to standing crops, the Government has accorded high priority to resolving this issue. Farmers in many parts of the state have been facing substantial losses due to crop destruction and in some areas, the situation has even forced them to scale down or abandon agricultural activities.

A spokesperson of the State Government stated that, as part of a major policy initiative to strengthen cattle care infrastructure, the financial assistance for the upkeep of cows in registered cow shelters and sanctuaries has been significantly enhanced. The monthly grant has been increased from Rs. 700 to Rs. 1,200 per cow, with effect from October 1, 2025. The enhanced assistance is being disbursed through the Himachal Pradesh Gau Seva Aayog to ensure better management, improved nutrition and proper healthcare for the animals.

The spokesperson further added that the proper rehabilitation of stray cattle will not only address the challenges faced by farmers and encourage them to resume farming activities, but will also improve road safety in the state, as a significant number of accidents are attributed to stray cattle on roads.

The spokesperson further added that several measures have been proposed in the Budget 2026–27 for the rehabilitation of stray cattle. In recent years, the State Government has established multiple cow sanctuaries and large Gausadans. Reputed voluntary organizations, NGOs and business houses interested in adopting any government Gausadan or cow sanctuary will be granted permission by the Government.

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said, “The rural economy is a priority sector for the State Government. Despite the discontinuation of RDG, there will be no shortage of funds to support our farmers and horticulturists.”

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BJP will not succeed in its motives in Assam: Chief Minister

During a press conference held at Rajiv Bhawan in Guwahati, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu strongly criticized the BJP government in Assam and alleged that the state government is making decisions that could harm Assam’s resources.

Chief Minister stated that the Assam government has signed an agreement with Adani Power for 6000 MW power generation, which he claimed is not in the public interest. He said that the power purchase agreement has been set at Rs. 6.30 per unit, whereas electricity from solar energy projects is available between Rs. 2.50 to three rupees per unit. He expressed concerns over possible irregularities in the agreement and demanded an investigation.

Referring to a statement by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Shri Sukhu said that if Congress forms the government in Assam, all such matters will be thoroughly investigated and strict action will be taken against those found guilty.

Shri Sukhu further said that despite the BJP being in power in Assam for the last ten years, the state has not witnessed the expected improvements in the economy and employment. He accused the BJP of practicing politics based on caste and religion and asserted that this time the public will not be misled and the BJP party will not succeed in its political intentions.

Citing Himachal Pradesh as an example, he said that during the Congress government’s tenure, the per capita income in the state has increased to Rs. 2.83 lakh, which is about Rs. 64,000 higher than the national average. He added that up to 250 units of electricity are being provided free on two meters, while extremely poor families will receive up to 300 units free.

He also mentioned that despite discontinuation of Rs. 8,000-10,000 crore annual assistance under RDG, the state is moving towards self-reliance by adopting financial discipline.

The Chief Minister highlighted that Himachal Pradesh has a high literacy rate and significant improvements are being made in education and healthcare services. Similarly, considerable progress has been made in the tourism sector. Orphaned children have been declared “Children of the State,” with the government taking responsibility for their care. Additionally, the Old Pension Scheme has been restored for government employees.

Speaking about agriculture, he said the Congress government has increased the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of naturally grown wheat from Rs. 60 to Rs. 80 per kg, maize from Rs. 40 to Rs. 50, barley in Pangi Valley from Rs. 60 to Rs. 80 and natural turmeric from Rs. 90 to Rs. 150 per kg. Ginger has been brought under MSP for the first time at Rs. 30 per kg. Furthermore, the procurement price of cow milk has been fixed at Rs. 61 per litre and buffalo milk at Rs. 71 per litre.

On this occasion, Assam Congress Committee Media Chairman Yadovrat Bora and party spokesperson Mahima Singh were also present.