Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur here today launched website jicahpforestryproject.com of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) project to access the forestry and other activities of the project undertaken in the State.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister said that the objective of the project was to manage and enhance the forest area ecosystems while contributing to environmental and sustainable socio-economic development in the Project area. He said that this project was also contributing towards biodiversity conservation and improvement of ecosystem services with specific focus on water resource conservation, prevention of soil erosion, and necessary support to establish sustainable alternative livelihoods of local community.
Jai Ram Thakur said that this Rs. 800 crore project was being implemented in six districts of the State viz. Bilaspur, Shimla Mandi, Kullu, Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti which covers seven Forest Circles, 18 Forest Divisions, 61 Forest Ranges and would involve 400 Village Forest Development Societies, 60 Biodiversity Management Sub-Committees, 920 Self-Help Groups and Common Interest Groups. He said that this project would culminate in March, 2028.
Forest Minister Rakesh Pathania, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Dr. Savita, Chief Project Director Nagesh Guleria and other senior officers were also present on the occasion.
