Uttarakhand’s ‘Pirul Lao Paisa Pao’ Initiative Creates New Livelihood Opportunities

In a bid to control forest fires and provide new livelihood opportunities, the Uttarakhand government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, has launched the ‘Pirul Lao Paisa Pao’ initiative. This innovative program aims to remove Pirul, or pine needles, from the state’s forests, which are highly flammable and contribute significantly to wildfires.

CM Dhami’s initiative not only addresses the pressing issue of forest fires but also aims to boost the local economy by increasing the value of Pirul. Under the program, Pirul will be collected at designated centers across the state and purchased at a rate of ₹50 per kilogram. This marks a significant increase from the previous price of ₹2 to ₹3 per kilogram.

The primary objective of this initiative is to mitigate the risk of wildfires, which have been a recurring problem in Uttarakhand. By removing the highly combustible pine needles, the government hopes to reduce the incidence and severity of forest fires. Additionally, the program is designed to provide a new source of income for local residents, creating economic opportunities in rural areas.

Chief Minister Dhami stated, “The ‘Pirul Lao Paisa Pao’ mission is a comprehensive approach to tackle forest fires while simultaneously enhancing the livelihood of local communities. This initiative will transform Pirul from a fire hazard into a valuable resource.”

The state government has set up multiple Pirul Collection Centers where locals can sell the collected pine needles. This unprecedented increase in the value of Pirul is expected to benefit tenants and artisans who use Pirul to create various products. By monetizing Pirul, the initiative aims to provide a sustainable income source for many families, thereby improving their economic well-being.

Local residents have welcomed the initiative, noting the dual benefits of reducing forest fire risks and providing economic gains. The increased value of Pirul is anticipated to motivate more people to participate in the collection efforts, ensuring cleaner and safer forests.

Forest department officials are optimistic about the impact of the program. “This initiative not only helps in controlling forest fires but also empowers local communities economically. We have already seen a positive response from the locals who are eager to contribute to the mission,” said a senior forest official.

The ‘Pirul Lao Paisa Pao’ initiative is part of a broader strategy by the Dhami government to implement sustainable environmental practices while fostering economic development. The successful implementation of this program could serve as a model for other states facing similar challenges with forest fires and rural unemployment.

With this initiative, Uttarakhand is set to witness a significant reduction in forest fires and a boost in local livelihoods, showcasing an effective synergy between environmental management and economic empowerment.