<h1>Himachal launches Rajiv Gandhi Samvardhan Yojana to plant 9,000+ hectares with fruit-bearing trees by 2030</h1> The Himachal Pradesh government launched the Rajiv Gandhi Samvardhan Yojana, under which over 9,000 hectares of forest land will be planted with saplings, 60% of which will be fruit-bearing trees. The scheme involves local groups such as Mahila Mandals and self-help groups managing sapling care on designated forest land for five years, supported by a Rs 100 crore budget. This initiative aims to increase forest cover to 30% by 2030 and strengthen the rural economy. The government is also seeking a special relief package from the central government due to recent climate change-induced natural disasters causing significant losses. Additional funding is allocated for sapling maintenance, and reforms are being introduced in forest department operations to enhance conservation efforts and promote self-employment in rural areas.