SHIMLA: Revenue, Horticulture and Tribal Development Minister Jagat Singh Negi today chaired a meeting to review the progress of plantation and field preparation works under the HP SHIVA project, here today. Funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the HP SHIVA project is being implemented in seven districts of Himachal Pradesh.
The Minister reviewed the progress of works being carried out as per the prescribed timelines, as well as compliance with the action points and directions issued during the previous review meeting.
It was informed that Mandi district has completed plantation over approximately 993 hectares, recording the highest progress among all seven districts covered under the project. The Minister directed the officials to expedite the work and achieve the stipulated targets within the fixed timelines. A target of planting over 3,000 hectares has been set under the project by March, 2027 and so far, approximately 2,600 hectares of land has been prepared for plantation.
Jagat Singh Negi also reviewed the ongoing plantation activities during the current planting season. It was informed that over the past three years, approximately nine lakh plants have been planted under the project.
The Horticulture Minister also directed field officials to ensure that only plants meeting the prescribed technical specifications are planted in the clusters. He also directed that the nursery operators empanelled under the project should strictly comply with the prescribed standards and quality requirements.
It was further informed that during the ongoing planting season, a target of planting approximately 6 lakh plants by September 2026 has been set.
Jagat Singh Negi stressed the need for strict on-ground monitoring, adherence to technical specifications, and timely completion of plantation and related infrastructure works, so that the project targets can be achieved within the stipulated timelines.
