The tree plantation programme is implemented by the forest department. The British were traders and the forest department was created to grow timber trees. As a result, the natural mixed forests of the Himalaya, which were the source of prosperity, health and happiness of the hill people, were converted into timber mines. Bushes and other tree species do not thrive under them. The forest has been defined as a community of living things, whose members include small and big trees of different species, bushes, grasses, roots and tubers, birds and animals.
Moisture is required to grow grasses, bushes, roots and tubers.
Birds need a dense canopy for nesting, which conifers cannot provide. The dying Himalayas need to be strengthened by clothing them with trees and bushes. The ratio between man and land is very favourable in the Himalayas. Free saplings and a subsidy of even Rs 5 per family would go a long way.