Chinar plantation drive launched by Himachal CM Sukhu on World Environment Day
Synopsis
On World Environment Day, Himachal CM Sukhvinder Sukhu kicked off a Chinar plantation drive from his Shimla residence and released four forestry publications — including a guide to 75 eco-tourism sites — signalling a broader state push to link green cover expansion with livelihood development and public awareness.
Key Takeaways
Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Sukhu launched the first phase of the Chinar plantation drive on 5 June 2025 from Oak Over , Shimla.
The drive aims to enhance green cover using the Chinar tree , suited to Shimla's temperate climate.
Four publications were released, including Van Bodh , a field handbook for forest personnel, and a Coffee Table Book on 75 Ecotourism Sites of Himachal Pradesh .
Environmental Management and Regulations was authored by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Dr.
Saplings were distributed to students of a Shimla government school and 'Children of the State' as part of World Environment Day celebrations.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu on Friday, 5 June launched the first phase of the Chinar plantation drive from his official residence, Oak Over, in Shimla, marking World Environment Day with a push to expand the hill state's green cover. The initiative is designed to promote environmental conservation and raise public awareness about sustainable forestry practices.
Why the Chinar Tree
The Chinar, prized for its majestic form, dense canopy and ecological value, is well-suited to Shimla's temperate climatic conditions. Foresters consider it a keystone species for urban green corridors in mid-Himalayan towns, making it a natural choice for the state's plantation agenda.
Four Forestry Publications Released
On the occasion, Chief Minister Sukhu also released four publications spanning forestry, environmental management and eco-tourism. The titles include Van Bodh, a field handbook prepared for frontline forest personnel; Environmental Management and Regulations, authored by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Dr. Sanjay Sood; Forestry Projects: Forest Conservation, Livelihood Improvement and Integrated Development, highlighting works under the JICA, KfW and IDP projects; and a Coffee Table Book on 75 Ecotourism Sites of Himachal Pradesh, showcasing the state's prominent eco-tourism destinations.
Addressing the gathering, Sukhu said the publications would serve as 'valuable resources for forest officials and staff, researchers, policymakers and all those interested in environmental conservation.' He expressed confidence that the books would broaden knowledge in forest management, biodiversity conservation and eco-tourism.
Youth at the Centre of Conservation
The Chief Minister emphasised the role of the younger generation in environmental stewardship, describing youth as 'the future of the nation' and urging them to take the lead in building a greener, more sustainable Himachal Pradesh. He also presented saplings to students of a Shimla government school and to 'Children of the State' as part of the day's celebrations.
Dignitaries Present
The event was attended by MLAs Vinod Sultanpuri, Sudarshan Babloo and Hardeep Bawa, Shimla Mayor Surinder Chauhan, Vice-Chairman of the H.P. State Forest Development Corporation K.S. Khachi, General Secretary of the state Congress Vinod Zinta, Chief Secretary K.K. Pant and other senior officials. The broad cross-section of political and administrative leadership signals the state government's intent to position environmental action as a mainstream policy priority.
With subsequent phases of the Chinar plantation drive yet to be announced, the programme is expected to scale across more districts of Himachal Pradesh in the months ahead.
Point of View
But the real measure will be survival rates and scale — two metrics that past state greening campaigns have struggled to report transparently. Releasing four forestry publications on the same day is smart optics, yet the JICA, KfW and IDP project book quietly signals that Himachal's forest ambitions remain substantially donor-funded. The emphasis on youth and eco-tourism also hints at a dual agenda: conservation paired with a tourism revenue pitch — a tension that, if unmanaged, can undercut the very biodiversity these drives are meant to protect.
NationPress
5 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Chinar plantation drive launched in Himachal Pradesh?
It is a state government initiative launched by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu on 5 June 2025, World Environment Day, to plant Chinar trees in Shimla and expand green cover across Himachal Pradesh. The Chinar was chosen for its ecological significance and suitability to the region's temperate climate.
Where was the Chinar plantation drive launched?
The first phase was launched from Oak Over, the official residence of the Chief Minister, in Shimla on World Environment Day, 5 June 2025.
What publications did CM Sukhu release on World Environment Day?
Chief Minister Sukhu released four publications: Van Bodh (a field handbook for frontline forest staff), Environmental Management and Regulations (authored by Dr. Sanjay Sood), a book on forestry projects under JICA, KfW and IDP, and a Coffee Table Book on 75 Ecotourism Sites of Himachal Pradesh.
Why is the Chinar tree significant for Himachal Pradesh?
The Chinar is valued for its majestic appearance, dense shade and ecological importance, and is well-suited to Shimla's climatic conditions. Foresters regard it as a strong candidate for urban green corridors in mid-Himalayan towns.
What is the next step for the Chinar plantation drive?
Only the first phase has been launched so far. Subsequent phases are expected to be announced and rolled out across more districts of Himachal Pradesh in the coming months, though a specific timeline has not yet been made public.
