Shimla, June 5 -- Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday said the state government has set a target of increasing the state's forest cover to 32 per cent by 2030 and reiterated the demand for proper recognition and financial valuation of the ecological services provided by hill states.

Marking World Environment Day, the Chief Minister planted a Chinar sapling at his official residence, Oak Over, and called upon citizens, youth organisations and community groups to actively participate in afforestation and environmental conservation efforts.

"Planting trees alone is not enough; protecting and ensuring their survival is equally important," Sukhu said while outlining the state's long-term afforestation strategy. ...