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Himachal CM Seeks Fair Forest Cover Recognition for Himalayan State

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu met Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav in Delhi to address a critical discrepancy in the state's recorded forest cover. He argued that the official figure of 27.99% fails to include 1.5% of 'Trees outside Forest' (ToF), which brings the actual cover to 29.5%. The CM urged that this full percentage be recognised for all ecological calculations and central financial allocations, stating the current oversight undervalues the state's conservation efforts. The Union Minister assured the state of all possible support following the meeting.

Key Points: Himachal CM Urges Centre to Recognise 29.5% Forest Cover

  • CM highlights 1.5% cover discrepancy
  • Seeks credit for trees on private land
  • Aims for fair central allocations
  • Stresses Himalayan conservation role
2 min read

Himachal CM urges Union Minister Bhupendra Yadav to recognise 29.5 per cent forest cover for all ecological calculations, allocations

CM Sukhu meets Union Minister Bhupendra Yadav, demanding inclusion of 'Trees outside Forest' in official cover calculations for fair ecological credit.

"undervaluing the Trees outside Forest component undervalues the true contribution of Himachal Pradesh - Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu"

Shimla, January 27

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday called on Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupendra Yadav in the national capital.

According to the Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister's Office (CMO), the Chief Minister apprised the Union Minister of the discrepancy between the actual tree cover of 29.5 per cent and the officially recorded 27.99 per cent.

He said that this issue arises from the non-inclusion of Trees outside Forest (ToF) in the consolidated representation of the state's forest and tree cover. He said that the state also exercises strict regulatory control over harvesting private lands under different statuses, for which the state doesn't receive any credit from the Centre Government.

The Himachal Pradesh CMO said that CM Sukhu emphasised including this 1.5 per cent component in the forest cover in order to recognise the State's true ecological and forestry contribution. He added that the Trees outside Forest contributes to the conservation of green cover while preventing ecological degradation of the fragile Himalayas.

He urged recognition of 29.5 per cent forest and tree cover for all calculations relating to forests and ecology under the Finance Commission or other allocations from the Centre Government. He demanded that 1.5 per cent of trees outside the forest component be acknowledged as a legitimate and policy-relevant contribution to ecosystem services, conservation efforts, and environmental governance.

He said that undervaluing the Trees outside Forest component undervalues the true contribution of Himachal Pradesh to the national ecosystem services and creates a bias against the state that protects trees.

The Chief Minister also spoke about various initiatives of the state Government to expand forest and tree cover on non-forest and private land.

The Union Minister assured the state of all possible support. Chief Minister's Principal Advisor Ram Subhag Singh accompanied the Chief Minister.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good to see our CM fighting for the state's rights. Himachal protects its greenery so diligently, and not getting credit for trees on private land is unfair. Hope the Union Minister acts on this promise of support.
R
Rohit P
While I agree with the principle, I hope this isn't just about getting more funds. The focus should remain on actual conservation. The state government must ensure these "trees outside forests" are genuinely protected and not just a number on paper.
M
Michael C
Interesting data discrepancy issue. From a policy perspective, recognizing all green cover is essential for accurate ecological accounting. Himachal's case could set a precedent for other mountainous states in India.
S
Shreya B
Absolutely correct! In our villages, many trees are on private farmland or near homes. They are part of our ecosystem too. The current system ignores the efforts of common people who maintain these trees. Jai Himachal!
K
Karthik V
This is a technical but important fight. The Finance Commission allocations depend on these figures. If Himachal is maintaining extra green cover, it deserves the corresponding recognition and support from the central pool.

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