Himachal Pradesh to Engage Local Communities in Forest Management

Himachal Pradesh to Engage Local Communities in Forest Management

Shimla, Himachal Pradesh: The Himachal Pradesh government has approved the engagement of ‘Van Mitra’ from local communities at the forest beat level for better forest management and conservation.

The initiative, which is a first of its kind in the country, aims to involve the local population in the responsible management of the state’s vast forest resources across 2061 forest beats.

The ‘Van Mitra’ will be entrusted with responsibilities like fire protection, afforestation drives, resin tapping, and salvage operations. In addition, they will also play a key role in creating awareness about forest and environmental conservation, fostering a deeper understanding of sustainable forest management within the local communities.

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the initiative was aimed at enhancing the sustainable management of forest resources and creating livelihood opportunities for the local youth. He also stressed the importance of local communities in forest management and conservation, adding that the state government was committed to preserving its natural resources and safeguarding the environment for future generations in collaboration with the local communities.

The engagement of ‘Van Mitra’ is expected to have a number of benefits, including:

• Improved forest management and conservation
• Reduced pressure on forest resources
• Increased awareness about forest and environmental conservation
• Creation of livelihood opportunities for the local youth
• Stronger collaboration between the Forest Department and local communities

: Himachal Pradesh, forest management, local communities, Van Mitra, sustainable development, livelihood opportunities, environmental conservation