Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], August 6 : Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu launched the week-long afforestation week under the Municipal Corporation Shimla's "Green Shimla, Our Shimla" campaign by planting a sapling at his official residence "Oak Over" here on Thursday. He appealed to the people to actively participate in tree plantation.
CM Sukhu said that if every individual plants and nurtures at least one tree every year, it would make a significant contribution towards environmental conservation and society. He also urged social organisations to participate enthusiastically in the plantation drive.
He also distributed Ban and Deodar saplings to the councillors of MC Shimla on the occasion.
Under this year's campaign, the Municipal Corporation Shimla has set a target of planting 5,000 to 10,000 saplings. This marks the third year of the initiative.

Last year, the Municipal Corporation adopted the Chamiyana hill area, where around 3,000 saplings were planted. This year, another 3,000 saplings will be planted at the same site. The survival rate of the saplings planted last year has been highly encouraging.
The Municipal Corporation will also involve state Ministers in the campaign and organise plantation drives with their participation during the week-long programme.
Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh, Mayor Surender Chauhan, Councillors, and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
On Wednesday, in a significant decision aimed at further strengthening healthcare services in the state, Sukhu has approved a historic increase of 78 per cent in the monthly salary of contract and Job Trainee Medical Officers (Specialists).
Under this decision, their monthly salary has been increased directly from Rs. 33,660 to Rs. 60,000.
Earlier, in 2022, after the implementation of the recommendations of the Sixth Pay Commission, the salary of Job Trainee Medical Officers (Specialists) was raised from around Rs. 27,000 to Rs. 33,660 with an increase of approximately 24 per cent. Now, the Congress-led state government has approved a 78 per cent salary hike, providing a substantial boost to these specialists.