Himachal Pradesh sets target to increase state forest cover
Source:The Hindu ↗
Why It Matters
Important for HPAS aspirants to track state-specific environmental data, forest cover goals, and ecological policies pertaining to Himachal Pradesh.
Summary
The Himachal Pradesh government aims to increase the state's forest cover from the existing 29.5% to 31% through targeted afforestation and ecological initiatives, emphasizing environmental conservation in the Himalayan state.
Key Points
- The Himachal Pradesh government has set a target to increase the state's forest cover from the current 27.7% / 29.5% to 31%.
- Focus on afforestation, green cover expansion, and environmental sustainability in the hill state.
- Highlights state-specific targets relevant to Himachal Pradesh's geography, ecology, and environmental policy.
Important Terms
Himachal Pradesh Government
The executive authority of Himachal Pradesh responsible for state policy, administration, and environmental initiatives, including targets to expand the state's forest cover to 31-32 percent.
UPSC context
Important for HPAS GS Paper II and III (Polity and Governance, Environment), testing state policy initiatives and climate commitments.
Forest Cover Target
State-led afforestation and ecological restoration efforts aimed at increasing Himachal Pradesh's forest cover from 29.5% to targeted higher levels like 31% or 32%.
UPSC context
Relevant for HPAS GS Paper III (Environment, Biodiversity, and Climate Change), testing state-level conservation strategies.
Prelims Trap
state's forest cover from the existing 29.5% to 31%
Aspirants often confuse recorded forest area with actual tree cover or total geographic area under dense canopy as reported by ISFR.
Static Concepts Connected
What are the major administrative categories of forests under the Indian Forest Act, 1927?
- Reserved Forests: Degree of protection is highest here; all activities are banned unless explicitly permitted.
- Protected Forests: Local rights to grazing and forestry are usually allowed unless specifically restricted by the government.
- Village/Unclassed: Private or community-owned forests with minimal government regulatory control.
Cross-Topic Patterns
HP Forest Target + National Action Plan on Climate Change
HP forest expansion targets tie directly into the National Mission for a Green India (GIM) under NAPCC, requiring an understanding of both state and central climate metrics.
HPAS Prelims loves asking exact forest cover percentages alongside specific state schemes like RGVSY. Expect a statement-based question.
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
Mountain Soil Zone in Himachal Pradesh is found between :
- 2024HPAS_PRELIMSGS1
Consider the following statements : (1) Himachal Pradesh Government approved an outlay of 1200 crore rupees for economic services during 2022-23. (2) Himachal Pradesh Government approved an outlay of 267 crore rupees for rural development during 2022-23. (3) Himachal Pradesh Government approved an outlay of 140 crore rupees for Mahatma Gandhi National Employment Guarantee Scheme during 2022-23. (4) Himachal Pradesh Government approved an outlay of 22 crore rupees for Forestry and Wildlife during 2022-23. Choose the correct answer from the options given below :
