JICA portal launched in Himachal

Shimla : The Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur here today launched the website jicahpforestryproject.com of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) project to access the forestry and other activities of the project undertaken in the hill 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.

A Rs. 800 crore  project was being implemented in six districts of 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. The project will 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.