- Rajiv Gandhi Van Sanvardhan Yojana started in Himachal Pradesh to increase green cover and support eco-tourism.
- Community groups like youth clubs, women’s groups, and self-help groups get financial help for tree planting and care.
- The scheme promotes jobs, environmental awareness, and teamwork between government and local bodies.
Rajiv Gandhi Van Sanvardhan Yojana is a new community-driven tree planting scheme started in Himachal Pradesh to increase green cover and promote eco-tourism. This scheme actively involves youth clubs, women’s groups, and self-help groups in planting and taking care of trees, supported by government funding and incentives. If you want to help protect the environment while earning income, this scheme offers a great chance. Keywords related to this scheme include Rajiv Gandhi Van Sanvardhan Yojana, afforestation, eco-tourism, and community participation.
Community Participation in Rajiv Gandhi Van Sanvardhan Yojana
The scheme encourages local community groups like youth clubs (yuvak mandals), women’s groups (mahila mandals), and self-help groups to take part actively. These groups plant trees and care for them for five years. This not only helps increase green cover but also raises environmental awareness among community members.
Financial Support and Incentives for Tree Plantation
Under the Rajiv Gandhi Van Sanvardhan Yojana, the government provides saplings free through the Forest Department. Participating groups get Rs 1.2 lakh for planting trees on 25 bighas (about one hectare) of land identified by the department. If at least 50 saplings survive the first year, the group receives Rs 1 lakh the next year. Payments continue over five years to make sure the plantations are well maintained. This financial help encourages community groups to take part actively and care for the plantations well.
Eco-Tourism and Employment Opportunities
The scheme aims not only to increase forest cover but also to promote eco-tourism in the area. By developing green spaces and forests, it attracts tourists interested in nature and wildlife, which creates income for local communities. Women’s self-help groups involved in planting are also connected to job opportunities, providing a steady income while helping protect the environment.
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Role of Local Authorities and Future Plans
Teamwork between the government, municipal bodies, and community groups is key to the scheme’s success. Shimla’s Municipal Corporation has already planted five lakh trees in and around the city with social organisations. Plans are in progress to develop a new multi-purpose ground in three phases, including facilities for senior citizens, a badminton court, and a large open space, working with the Forest Department.
Both the Chief Minister and the Mayor stress the importance of coordination among different groups to reach environmental goals. The Municipal Corporation is also working with the Forest Department to manage tree cutting within legal limits, making sure environmental protections are kept.
By joining the Rajiv Gandhi Van Sanvardhan Yojana, you can help make Himachal Pradesh greener while benefiting from financial support and job opportunities. This scheme is a big step towards sustainable development and protecting the environment in the state.