Himachal CM Sukhu launches week-long afforestation drive; urges citizens to plant, protect trees
Shimla, August 6
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu launched the week-long afforestation week under the Municipal Corporation Shimla's "Green Shimla, Our Shimla" campaign by planting a sapling at his official residence "Oak Over" here on Thursday. He appealed to the people to actively participate in tree plantation.
CM Sukhu said that if every individual plants and nurtures at least one tree every year, it would make a significant contribution towards environmental conservation and society. He also urged social organisations to participate enthusiastically in the plantation drive.
He also distributed Ban and Deodar saplings to the councillors of MC Shimla on the occasion.Under this year's campaign, the Municipal Corporation Shimla has set a target of planting 5,000 to 10,000 saplings. This marks the third year of the initiative.
Last year, the Municipal Corporation adopted the Chamiyana hill area, where around 3,000 saplings were planted. This year, another 3,000 saplings will be planted at the same site. The survival rate of the saplings planted last year has been highly encouraging.
The Municipal Corporation will also involve state Ministers in the campaign and organise plantation drives with their participation during the week-long programme.
Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh, Mayor Surender Chauhan, Councillors, and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
On Wednesday, in a significant decision aimed at further strengthening healthcare services in the state, Sukhu has approved a historic increase of 78 per cent in the monthly salary of contract and Job Trainee Medical Officers (Specialists).
Under this decision, their monthly salary has been increased directly from Rs. 33,660 to Rs. 60,000.
Earlier, in 2022, after the implementation of the recommendations of the Sixth Pay Commission, the salary of Job Trainee Medical Officers (Specialists) was raised from around Rs. 27,000 to Rs. 33,660 with an increase of approximately 24 per cent. Now, the Congress-led state government has approved a 78 per cent salary hike, providing a substantial boost to these specialists.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good to see such campaigns, but honestly, these week-long drives feel more like photo opportunities for politicians. The real work happens when local communities and schools adopt these trees and nurture them daily. Why not involve students from local schools as "Tree Guardians"? That would create long-term ownership and awareness among the younger generation. Just a thought. 🌱
The 78% salary hike for medical officers is a welcome move too! Doctors working in government hospitals in remote areas of Himachal deserve better pay. It's sad that specialists were getting only Rs 33,660 till now. At least now we can hope better healthcare services in rural areas. And yes, planting trees is equally important - both decisions show the government is thinking about people and environment. 👏
छान पहल! (Great initiative!) But please also focus on planting local species like Deodar and Ban as mentioned in the article, not just any tree. Mixing native species with fast-growing exotic ones can actually harm the local ecosystem. Also, let's encourage terrace gardening and indoor plants in cities like Shimla where space is limited. Har ghar ped, har aangan hariyali! 🌿
Nice to see the Himachal government promoting environmental conservation. The tree plantation drive is definitely commendable, and the salary hike for doctors is long overdue. That said, I wish they would also address the larger issue of deforestation in the region due to unregulated construction and tourism. Planting 10,000 saplings is great, but protecting the existing forests is equally crucial. Overall, a step in the right direction.
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