Post news network
Bhubaneswar, July 1: In a record plantation drive, 50 lakh saplings will be planted in the state in a single day as part of the observance of Tree Plantation Day, July 7. This was announced by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at a state-level Van Mahotsav, Saturday. The event was held at Unit-6 Government Girls High School.
The CM exhorted people, from all walks of life, to observe Tree Plantation Day. “Trees are the biggest natural gifts to humans,” Patnaik said. He further urged the school children to plant and take care of one sapling each.
“In the last five years, 3 per cent forest cover in the state has increased. The state’s forest cover has jumped to 35 per cent,” he added.
The CM felicitated two Bana Surakshya Samitis of Bolangir and Nabarangpur with Biju Patnaik Forest Protection Award for their contributions towards forest conservation. The two samitis received Rs 50,000 cash award each. The CM planted a Neem sapling to symbolise his participation in the Bana Mahostav.
Informing the press about the future plans of the government, forest minister Bijayshree Routray said, “The government has decided to plant huge number of saplings across the state. Under this initiative, around 822.35 lakh saplings will be planted over 581204 hectares in 2017. Around 352.50 lakh saplings will be distributed to public and private organizations against a minimal charge, whereas in schools and government organizations it will be distributed free.”
He claimed that the government has also started laying emphasis on urban plantation to bring down steep temperature in the cities, during summers. “Plantation drives will be held in around 122 cities where 17 lakh saplings will be planted,” he added.
“At least 79,100 saplings will be planted in 791 sacred forests, identified by the Forest Department,” he added.
On World Forest Day, the CM had set a target of planting 7.77 crore trees during 2017-18.
