Himachal Pradesh sets target to increase state forest cover
Source:theprint ↗
Why It Matters
Important for HPAS aspirants tracking state-specific environment targets, forest policies, and sustainable development goals of Himachal Pradesh.
Summary
The Himachal Pradesh government has announced a target to scale up the state's total forest cover to 32 per cent by 2030, aligning environmental conservation goals with sustainable development and climate resilience strategies in the Himalayan region.
Key Points
- The Himachal Pradesh government has set a strategic target to increase the state's forest cover to 32 percent by the year 2030.
- The initiative aims to boost ecological balance, combat climate change impacts, and enhance green cover across the hilly terrain.
- State forest policies and afforestation targets are key areas of focus for sustainable environmental management in Himachal Pradesh.
Important Terms
Mission-32 Percent
An ambitious environmental initiative launched by the Himachal Pradesh government to scale up the state's total forest cover from 29.5% to 32% by 2030, aligning ecological conservation with climate resilience.
UPSC context
Important for HPAS (GS Paper III - Environment, Biodiversity & Himachal Specific Schemes) to test targets in green energy and sustainable development.
Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojana
A community-driven afforestation program in Himachal Pradesh that engages Mahila Mandals, Yuvak Mandals, and SHGs in planting fruit-bearing and indigenous trees on degraded forest lands with financial incentives.
UPSC context
Relevant for HPAS current affairs focusing on state welfare schemes, ecological restoration, and community-based natural resource management.
Mukhyamantri Van Vistaar Yojana
A specialized Himachal Pradesh scheme focusing on converting barren and unproductive hillsides into green expanses through systematic afforestation and soil conservation measures.
UPSC context
Tested in HPAS under state-specific developmental and environmental policies aimed at mitigating soil erosion and enhancing green cover.
Green Adoption Scheme
An initiative by the Himachal Pradesh government that invites private enterprises, corporations, and NGOs to adopt degraded forest land for afforestation efforts under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
UPSC context
Crucial for HPAS questions highlighting public-private partnerships and innovative governance models in environmental management.
Static Concepts Connected
What are the primary categories of legal forest classification in Himachal Pradesh under Indian Forest Law?
- Reserved Forests: Reserved Forests receive the highest degree of protection; all public rights are typically barred unless specifically admitted.
- Protected Forests: Protected Forests have a lesser degree of protection where customary local rights are generally permitted unless explicitly prohibited.
- Unclassed Forests: Unclassed Forests comprise state-owned wasteland or brushwood not included in reserved or protected categories.
Cross-Topic Patterns
Forest Targets & National Determined Contributions
Himalayan forest cover targets connect directly with carbon sink accounting under India's NDC commitments at UNFCCC COPs.
Himalayan Ecology and Disaster Management
Afforestation initiatives intersect with disaster management policies for landslide mitigation in fragile tertiary rock strata.
HPAS environment questions frequently test exact state forest percentage targets alongside ISFR data. Note the 32% by 2030 goal.
Linked PYQs · 3
Linked PYQs · 3
- 2024HPAS_PRELIMSGS1
Match the forest cover area/type with their total area in Himachal Pradesh (2021) : | List I (Density/Total Forest Cover) | List II (Area in sq. kms.) | |---|---| | (a) Very dense forest above 70 percent | (i) 7,100 | | (b) Moderate dense forest 40 to 70 percent | (ii) 5,180 | | (c) Open forest 10 percent to 40 percent | (iii) 15,443 | | (d) Total forest cover | (iv) 3,163 | Choose the correct options : Code: (a) (b) (c) (d)
- 2025HPAS_PRELIMSGS1
Consider the following statements : (1) Kibbar is the largest wildlife sanctuary in Himachal Pradesh. (2) Kheerganga National Park was established in 1994 in Himachal Pradesh. (3) Tarla wildlife sanctuary of Himachal Pradesh has an area of 46.4 km². (4) Chail wildlife sanctuary of Himachal Pradesh was established in 1962. Choose the correct answer from the options given below :
- 2025HPAS_PRELIMSGS1
Arrange the following schemes of Government of India from newest to oldest : (1) Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (2) Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes (3) Atal Bhujal Yojana (4) Stand-up India Yojana Choose the correct answer from the options given below :
