Important for HPAS Prelims and Mains
Schools plant 253532 saplings in 295.35 hectare area
The rapid economic growth has had a telling effect on the natural resources of the Country. Conservation of forests is one of the foremost priorities of the State Government.
In Himachal Pradesh 37,948 square kilometer area is forest area and 15,433.52 square kilometer is green forest cover of the total forest area. About 16,376 square kilometer forest area is above treeline, which is covered under snow all through the year.
The Forest Department is making all out effort to conserve the forest and is working towards achieving the target of improving green cover by 30 percent till 2030 in the State.
To achieve the target, the Department has initiated several schemes to strengthen participation of people in conservation and development of forests through plantation. One such scheme in this direction is State government’s Vidyarthi Van Mitra Yojna, which aims to create awareness by involving school students in conservation of forest and environment.
Under Vidyarthi Van Mitra Yojna such schools have been identified that have setup active eco clubs and suitable open or degraded forest areas for plantation of indigenous tree species and can be maintained and protected by students. This would develop a sense of contribution and association among students with plants.
In the year 2018-19, about 228 schools were covered under the scheme in various parts of the State and 166830 saplings were planted in 164.30 hectare area by the students. In the Year 2019-20, approximately 146 schools were covered and 86702 saplings were planted in 131.5 hectare area by the students, under the scheme.
In Vidyarthi Van Mitra Yojna the students and school administration play a vital role in identifying the site for plantation of saplings. A micro plan for plantation is also prepared by school administration and Divisional Forest Officer provides approval in it.
The Department also provides necessary technical information for plantation under the scheme under the scheme. The students are not only responsible for plantation of the trees in the area earmarked for the school but maintain the area on long-term basis.
The State Government is laying stress not just in creating awareness among students on conservation of forest and wildlife but is also emphasising on conservation of the natural resources of the State for future generation with its effective management.
Besides this, the Government is also ensuring conservation of forests and wildlife for those communities that are dependent on resources generated from forests for livelihood.