The Social Forestry Scheme is a vital environmental program designed to increase tree cover, particularly on non-forest lands, and to promote community participation in forestry activities. This initiative aims to improve ecological balance, provide fuel wood, fodder, and other forest produce to rural populations, and enhance the socio-economic conditions of the people.
When considering the implementation of developmental and environmental schemes, knowing the exact start year is important. For the state of Haryana, the Social Forestry Scheme was initiated in the year 1982.
This program encourages planting trees on lands accessible to the community, such as roadsides, canal banks, village common lands, and government wasteland. The objective is to integrate forestry with agriculture and rural life, making it a collaborative effort.