Shimla, June 5:
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday launched the first phase of a Chinar plantation drive under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative on the occasion of World Environment Day.
The programme was inaugurated at Oak Over in Shimla as part of Mission LiFE, a nationwide campaign aimed at promoting environmental sustainability through individual and community participation.
The Chief Minister planted a Chinar sapling and urged people to contribute towards building a greener, cleaner and environmentally sustainable Himachal Pradesh. Under the first phase of the campaign, around 500 Chinar saplings will be planted in Shimla and surrounding areas in the coming days.
On the occasion, Sukhu also released four publications of the Forest Department authored by Dr. Sanjay Sood, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (HoFF). The publications include Kshetra Pustak Van Bodh, Environmental Management and Regulation, Forestry Projects: Forest Conservation, Livelihood Improvement and Integrated Development, and a Coffee Table Book highlighting the department’s work.
The Chief Minister also distributed saplings to children from Sarvodaya Bal Ashram, Rokbud, and students of Portmore School, encouraging them to actively participate in environmental conservation efforts.
Among those present were Himachal Pradesh State Forest Development Corporation Vice-Chairman Kehar Singh Khachi, Chief Secretary Kamlesh Kumar Pant, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Dr. Sanjay Sood, senior district administration officials, Forest Department officers and other dignitaries.
