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FOREST
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.
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