Department of Environment, Science Technology & Climate Change

Budget Assurance No. 100 – Green Livelihood Initiative

Details: The State Biodiversity Board, in collaboration with the Ayurvedic Industry, is promoting the cultivation of medicinal plants across diverse agro-climatic zones. Every year, 12 lakh plants of elite germplasm will be distributed free of cost to farmers.

Activities Undertaken:

• M/s Dabur India Ltd. has distributed 3.50 lakh saplings of medicinal and floral species to progressive farmers in Shimla, Kullu, Lahaul & Spiti, Kangra, and Una.
• Saplings currently available at Lahaul nursery include Kukti (20,000), Pushkarmool (45,000), Hibiscus (15,000), Kuth (5,000 + 2 kg seeds), Tejpatta (15 kg seeds), and Atich (1 kg seeds).
• ₹4.0 crore sanctioned to HP Forest Department for conservation of germplasm of medicinal plants and floral species.

Budget Assurance No. 101 – Community-Oriented Climate Action & Sustainable Livelihoods

Details: The Government is committed to promoting community-driven climate action and sustainable livelihoods.

Activities Undertaken:

• Biochar & Forest Fire Mitigation: MoA signed for production of biochar from pine needles and biomass to reduce forest fires and create livelihood opportunities.
• Ecological Restoration & Green Livelihoods: MoA signed for Afforestation, Restoration and Revegetation (ARR) on private agricultural land to conserve bio-resources and enhance ecological resilience.

Budget Assurance No. 102 – HiBiSCUS Scheme

Details: The HiBiSCUS (Himachal Biodiversity Stakeholder-led Conservation Unified Scheme) promotes conservation of medicinal plants, sustainable harvesting, nursery development, and documentation of traditional knowledge. Annual allocation: ₹2 crore.

Activities Undertaken:

• Adopted Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojna.
• ₹1.20 crore released to Forest Department for conservation and nursery development through Forest Divisions.

Budget Assurance No. 103 – Environmental Protection & Pollution Control

Details: The Himachal Pradesh Pollution Control Board has mobilized resources under Non-Corpus Heads. These funds will be used for environmental protection and pollution control to improve environmental quality and safeguard public health.

Budget Assurance No. 104 – Digital Planetarium at CSLC Shoghi

Details: A Digital Planetarium is being established at the Centre for Science Learning & Creativity (CSLC), Shoghi, Shimla, in collaboration with NCSM. This flagship project, the first of its kind in Himachal Pradesh, is in the advanced stage of completion.

Activities Undertaken:

• ₹3 crore 31 lakh allocated from HPSPCB Non-Corpus Funds to HIMCOSTE for time-bound completion and commissioning.

Budget Assurance No. 105 – Geographical Indication (GI) Initiatives

Details: To give global recognition to Himachal Pradesh’s traditional heritage and enhance farmer/artisan incomes, the Government has advanced GI initiatives.

Activities Undertaken:

• In-Principle approval for nine products: Spiti Seabuckthorn, Salooni White Maize, Chamba Metal Craft, Sirmauri Loiya, Himachali Cap, Mandi’s Sepu Vadi, Kinnauri Apple, Kinnauri Jewellery, Pangi’s Thangi.
• Initiative to include four more products: Chamba Chukh, Sirmauri Ginger, Mountain Honey, Bhot Barley.
• GI tagging ensures authenticity, branding, and better economic benefits in local, national, and international markets.

Budget Assurance No. 106 – District Climate Adaptation Financing Strategies

Details: With UNDP cooperation, district-level Climate Adaptation Financing Strategies will be prepared.

Activities Undertaken:

• Assessing climate change impacts on agriculture, livelihoods, infrastructure, and key sectors.
• Reviewing adaptation expenditures and identifying financial gaps.
• Developing prioritized pipelines of climate-resilient projects to mobilize national and international climate finance.

Budget Assurance No. 107 – Himachal Pradesh Disaster Risk Reduction Program

Details: To address climate-affected disasters, the Government has launched the HP Disaster Risk Reduction Program.

Activities Undertaken:

• Village-level vulnerability assessment & training. Budget: ₹13 crore 35 lakh across 12 districts.
• Integration of adaptation & disaster risk reduction into regional plans. Budget: ₹35 crore 60 lakh.
• Strengthening institutional & technical capacities with advanced early warning systems and community training. Budget: ₹22 crore 25 lakh across 12 districts.