SHIMLA, June 3: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday underscored the need for community involvement in forest conservation, stating that Van Mitras alone cannot bear the full burden of protecting the state’s green cover.
“Participation of people is important in protection and conservation of forest, and Van Mitras alone would be unable to do this tedious task,” the Chief Minister said, addressing the passing-out parade of newly appointed Van Mitras.
While acknowledging the critical role played by forest personnel, Sukhu emphasized that protecting forests must be seen as a shared responsibility. “There is a shortage of field staff in the Forest Department, which makes this challenge even more pressing,” he said.
The Chief Minister noted that the recruitment of Van Mitras was merit-based, with women emerging as frontrunners in many selections. He assured the recruits of long-term policy support. “The government is committed to framing policies that will secure your future and recognize your contributions as true guardians of the forests,” he told the new recruits.
Marking the occasion, Sukhu also launched two key initiatives: the Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojana and the Green Adoption Scheme. He described the former as a step towards both forest regeneration and inclusive development.
“This scheme focuses on increasing green cover by planting fruit-bearing trees in barren and degraded forest areas,” he said. “It will generate employment and income for local communities by involving women’s groups, youth committees, and self-help groups.”
As part of the event, two Mahila Mandals from Sukhu’s home panchayats — Amlehad and Bhawdan — received certificates for adopting two hectares of forest land each. They will carry out plantation activities and maintain the land for five years.
Under the Green Adoption Scheme, the Chief Minister announced that Ambuja Cement Company will undertake plantation across 25 hectares, while Adani Foundation and UltraTech will each adopt 10 hectares of forest land. The initiative seeks to bring private players and NGOs into forest development through corporate social responsibility.
During the parade, Sukhu inspected the Van Mitras and interacted with them. He described the Van Mitra Yojana as one of the Forest Department’s most successful programs, aimed at both employment generation and deepening grassroots conservation efforts.
He urged the new Van Mitras to actively engage with rural communities. “Your role is not limited to guarding forests,” he said. “You must also create awareness in villages about the value of forest conservation.”
