Shimla, Sept. 26 -- Himachal Pradesh government has launched the Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojana, a community-based afforestation scheme, with an outlay of Rs. 100 crore aimed at increasing green cover while generating employment and strengthening the rural economy, vis-a-vis making a stride in making 'Green and Clean Himachal' by 2027.

According to an official release, the scheme marks a major shift from traditional plantation models to a community-driven approach, involving local groups such as Mahila Mandals, Yuvak Mandals, Self-Help Groups, and other registered Community-Based Organisations (CBOs).

These groups will play a pivotal role in both plantation and maintenance activities in degraded forest areas. To enhance forest cover...