The UT Forest Department is working on a project for the development of a ‘City Forest’ in the Sukhna Choe forest area.
“The project aims to promote conservation and ecological awareness, sustainable eco-tourism, awareness generation, education and capacity building, besides encouraging behavioural and experiential learning outcomes,” said Mandip Singh Brar, Secretary Forest, during a meeting chaired by Chief Secretary H Rajesh Prasad. The meeting was held to review the status of ongoing projects and schemes being implemented by the Forest Department, Department of Environment, Department of Science & Technology & Renewable Energy and the Chandigarh Pollution Control Committee.
Brar said the vision of the project is to create greater public awareness regarding the protection and conservation of forests, wildlife and the environment through nature-based learning opportunities, while promoting eco-tourism in an ecologically sustainable and economically viable manner. Reviewing the initiatives, the Chief Secretary directed the department to ensure scientific management and adequate protection of forests.
Chief Conservator of Forests Saurabh Kumar gave a detailed presentation on the forest and tree cover of Chandigarh and highlighted various initiatives being undertaken for the scientific management of forests and integrated development of wildlife habitats.
The Chief Secretary was informed that against the plantation target of 5,76,221 saplings under the Greening Chandigarh Action Plan 2025-26, a total of 6,64,133 saplings were planted by greening agencies and stakeholders, achieving an overall survival rate of 79% up to March 2026.
