Himachal Pradesh Plans to Increase Forest Cover to 32% by 2030

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced a plan to increase Himachal Pradesh's forest cover from 29.52% to 32% by 2030. The initiative includes offering barren land to industrial houses for plantation drives, engaging local organizations for tree maintenance, and securing carbon credits. The government spent Rs 53.04 crore on plantation and Rs 8.86 crore on forest protection last year. Additionally, the Industries Minister reported Rs 2.04 crore spent on an MSME exposure visit, with significant investments expected from signed MoUs.

Published Mar 27, 2026

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu revealed plans to boost the state's forest cover from 29.52% to 32% by 2030. The government will provide barren land to industries for tree plantation and involve local groups to improve sapling survival rates.

AI-curated by Theia

Carbon credits will be pursued to enhance revenue. Last fiscal year, Rs 53.04 crore was allocated for plantation efforts. In a separate report, Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan stated that Rs 2.04 crore was spent on an MSME exposure visit, resulting in MoUs worth Rs 10,000 crore. The state has seen the establishment of 2,411 industrial units in three years.