In a bid to promote forest conservation and provide employment, the Municipal Corporation (MC) of Shimla has launched an initiative to engage women from self-help groups (SHGs) in sapling plantation and care. Under this scheme, women will be provided saplings and paid for both planting and nurturing them until they grow into full-fledged trees.
Mayor Surender Chauhan emphasised the corporation’s commitment to environmental conservation and highlighted the significant role of women in society. “This initiative will not only help in expanding green cover but also provide financial support to women,” he stated.
Each woman associated with an SHG will receive five to 10 saplings and be responsible for their care. The corporation will offer an honorarium for their efforts. This aligns with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s budget announcement targeting the afforestation of 5,000 hectares to enhance forest cover.
Besides afforestation, the Shimla MC has been actively involving women in civic projects. Recently, SHG members participated in a two-month-long cleanliness drive, conducting surveys on garbage disposal habits and contributing to cleanliness efforts in urban and forested areas.
By integrating environmental conservation with women’s empowerment, the Shimla MC is taking a progressive step towards sustainable development.
