Shimla, Sept. 27 -- The state government has launched the Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojana, a community-based afforestation scheme, with an outlay of Rs.100 crore aimed at increasing green cover while generating employment and strengthening the rural economy vis-a-vis making a stride in making "Green and Clean Himachal" by 2027.

The scheme marks a major shift from traditional plantation models to a community driven approach, involving local groups such as Mahila Mandals, Yuvak Mandals, Self Help Groups and other registered Community-Based Organizations (CBOs). These groups will play a pivotal role in both plantation and maintenance activities in degraded forest areas. To enhance forest cover, the scheme is expected to create direct and...