HP targets increase in green cover from 29.5 to 32 per cent by 2030

The Himachal Pradesh government has launched the 'Mission-32 Percent', intending to increase the state's green cover to 32 per cent by the year 2030.

According to a statement on Thursday, the Forest Department has initiated preparatory measures and strategic interventions to strengthen the state's ecological resilience. A comprehensive strategy is also being developed to achieve the targeted outcomes.

The initiative marks a significant step towards establishing Himachal Pradesh as a model ''Green Himalayan State'' dedicated to environmental sustainability and climate action, the statement said.

Under the initiative, the state's current forest cover, which stands at 29.5 per cent, is proposed to be increased to 32 per cent by 2030. The expansion is expected to play a vital role in biodiversity conservation, ecological restoration, soil and water conservation and mitigating the adverse impacts of climate change, it said.

Apart from environmental benefits, the initiative is also expected to generate sustainable livelihood opportunities for rural communities through afforestation, eco-restoration, agro-forestry and community participation.

To achieve these objectives, plantation and eco-restoration activities are being carried out under various forestry programmes, including CAMPA, externally aided projects and other departmental schemes.

During the financial year 2026-27, a plantation target covering 8,000 hectares has been fixed with special emphasis on fruit-bearing and indigenous tree species to improve ecological balance and strengthen rural livelihoods.

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