Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu initiated the dispatch of a vehicle from Shimla to Bhutan, carrying chilgoza (pine nut) saplings as a goodwill gesture. Emphasizing the strong ties between India and Bhutan, the Chief Minister highlighted the shared Himalayan natural heritage of the two regions, aiming to bolster their friendly relations. The Himachal Pradesh Forest Department plans to offer chilgoza seeds worth Rs 5 lakh to Bhutan and will provide training to Bhutanese forest officials on cultivating chilgoza plants.
Efforts to enhance chilgoza cultivation and development are underway, with a focus on environmental conservation and supporting local livelihoods. Bhutan’s Forest Department will reciprocate the gesture by visiting Himachal Pradesh for collaboration. The state government intends to engage local women’s groups in chilgoza-related activities and extend financial assistance to them. Notably, a previous contribution of 50 kg of chilgoza seeds had been made to Bhutan, showcasing the commitment to fostering forest conservation.
The government’s initiatives to promote forest conservation in Himachal Pradesh have yielded positive results, with a notable increase in the state’s forest area by approximately 55 square kilometers. Plantation efforts covering around 9,000 hectares of forest land are in progress this year, with a focus on planting fruit-bearing plants. To further enhance green cover, 600 hectares of plantation work are planned on barren hills under the Chief Minister Van Vistar Yojana. Since 2019, 2,019 Van Mitras have been appointed for forest protection and management, reflecting the government’s dedication to sustainable forest management.
