Shimla, March 5 -- The state government will rope in mahila mandals and yuvak mandals, self-help groups (SHGs) and panchayats to enhance and conserve the forest cover in the state.

While reviewing various schemes and projects of the forest department on Tuesday, chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu issued directions to rope in mahila mandals and yuvak mandals, self-help groups and panchayats to enhance and conserve the forest cover in the state.

He said, "In lieu of their services, they would be suitably compensated, and the state government has allocated Rs.100 crore. Additionally, they will be encouraged by offering incentives after five years depending upon the survival percentage of saplings".

The chief minister directed the autho...