Forest in Himachal

Forest in Himachal cover an area of about 21,325sq.km. i.e. about 38.3 of the total area of the state. The state government is aiming to provide green cover to 50% of the total area. Earlier forests were considered the main source of income of the state.

Now the stress has shifted from exploitation to conservation. Forests have been completely nationalized. Felling of trees and sale of timber is now conducted by the State Forest Corporation. The Forest Department mostly concerns itself with planting and conservation of forests.

A World Bank assisted Social Forestry Project has been launched. This project aims at raising fuel, fodder and small timber species to meet the basic necessities of the people so that they do not resort to depletion of forests for fulfilling these needs.

An Enforcement Organisation has been set up to check the illegal felling of trees and smuggling of timber. An integrated water shed department project for Shivaliks is under preparation. Another project for the afforestation of barren ‘Kandi’ areas has been undertaken with the help of the World Bank. Steps have also been taken to intensify preservation and management. Hunting has been banned.