Climate-proofing project on the cards

Dinesh Kanwar

Hamirpur, January 15

The state will soon have mist forests in lower districts that will be helpful in increasing rainfall in the region. To convert pine forests into mist forest, the state has planned eco-system climate-proofing project worth Rs315 crore to protect the vulnerable climate changes of the lower hills of the state.

The project, funded by the German government, will initially cover Chamba and Kangra and later be extended to Hamirpur, Bilaspur and Una districts. The project will address the climate change activity and protect the ecology of the forests.

The selection of the area was done after making scientific research and survey by experts from the Forest Department and Germany. This conversion of forest from pine to broad leaf forest will not only provide better fodder for livestock, but also restrict wild animals from venturing into human habitats as enough flora and fauna will be made available within the forests.

The project will also help in eradication of lantana and conservation of water sources.

Sushil Shrivastva, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF), said the project was in the pipeline and the formalities were completed that would be a benchmark in the protection of climate and forests of the state.