Economy

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