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Himachal Gifts Chilgoza Saplings to Bhutan to Strengthen Green Ties

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu flagged off a vehicle carrying Chilgoza saplings as a gift to Bhutan to strengthen bilateral ties through a green initiative. The state will also provide Rs 5 lakh worth of Chilgoza seeds and training to Bhutan's forest officials on cultivating this valuable Himalayan species. The Himachal government highlighted its own efforts in forest conservation, noting a 55 sq km increase in forest area and plantation work on 9,000 hectares. Several state ministers and officials were present at the ceremony, underscoring the importance of this environmental and diplomatic gesture.

Key Points: Himachal CM Flags Off Chilgoza Saplings Gift to Bhutan

  • Chilgoza saplings gifted to Bhutan
  • Training for Bhutan's forest officials
  • State forest area increased by 55 sq km
  • 2,019 Van Mitras appointed for forest protection
2 min read

Himachal government gifts Chilgoza saplings to Bhutan; CM Sukhu flags off vehicle

Himachal Pradesh gifts Chilgoza pine saplings to Bhutan to strengthen bilateral ties and promote forest conservation and biodiversity.

"India and Bhutan share warm and cordial relations and this green initiative will further strengthen the bond of friendship. - Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu"

Shimla, January 12

Strengthening the long-standing friendly and amicable relations between India and Bhutan, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday flagged off a vehicle carrying Chilgoza saplings as a gift to kingdom of Bhutan from the State Secretariat today.

On this occasion, the Chief Minister said that India and Bhutan shares a warm and cordial relations and this green initiative will further strengthen the bond of friendship between two countries.

He said that Himachal Pradesh and Bhutan have similar Himalayan natural heritage. The Himachal Pradesh Forest Department would also provide Chilgoza seeds worth Rs 5 lakh to Bhutan soon. In addition, training would be given to Bhutan's forest officials on how to grow Chilgoza plants. A team from Bhutan's Forest Department would soon visit Himachal Pradesh for this purpose.

The state government would involve local women's groups in Chilgoza-based activities and provide them with financial support. Efforts related to Chilgoza cultivation and development would be further expanded.

The Chief Minister said that earlier also, 50 kilograms of Chilgoza seeds had been provided to Bhutan.

Chilgoza is a unique and highly valuable species of the western Himalayas. It is closely linked with environmental protection, biodiversity and local livelihood.

The Chief Minister said that the present state government was taking several steps to promote forest conservation and expand forest cover. As a result of government efforts, the forest area of the state has increased by about 55 square kilometers. This year, plantation work was being carried out on around 9,000 hectares of forest land under various schemes and projects, with 60 percent fruit-bearing plants.

To increase the green cover 600 hectares of plantation was being done on barren hills under Chief Minister Van Vistar Yojana and for forest protection and management, 2,019 Van Mitras have been appointed in since 2019.

Schemes such as the Rajiv Gandi Van Samvardhan Yojana and the Green Adoption Scheme were also being implemented for increasing the green cover.

Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania, Vice-Chairman of Himachal Pradesh State Forest Corporation Kehar Singh Khachi, MLAs Captain Ranjit Singh Rana and Malender Rajan, Chairman of the State Haj Committee Dildar Ali Bhatt, Advocate General Anup Rattan, Additional Chief Secretary K.K. Pant, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (HOFF) Sanjay Sood and other senior officers were present on the occasion.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good initiative, but I hope the focus on international gifts doesn't overshadow local issues. The involvement of women's groups and Van Mitras is excellent for creating jobs. More such schemes are needed in all hill states.
A
Aman W
Bhutan is our true friend. In a region where we have tensions with some neighbours, it's refreshing to see such positive diplomacy. Sharing environmental technology and plants is the way forward. Jai Hind!
S
Sarah B
As someone who loves trekking in the Himalayas, I know how precious Chilgoza pines are. This is smart diplomacy - building friendship while promoting conservation. The training for forest officials is a great long-term investment.
K
Karthik V
The increase of 55 sq km forest cover is the real news here! That's impressive work. If every state focuses on such green missions, we can seriously combat climate change. More power to the Van Mitras!
N
Nisha Z
Chilgoza seeds are so expensive in the market! Glad to see the government is not just giving away plants but also creating livelihood programs around them. Empowering women's groups with this knowledge can transform rural economies. 👏

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