100 crore saplings to dot Maharashtra next year

The Maharashtra government has decided to plant 100 crore saplings in the state next year, said forest minister Patangrao Kadam in Sangli on Wednesday.

Kadam said the government has chalked out a plan for the mega plantation drive. “We will ensure that the plan does not
remain on paper,” he said.

The drive will start in June 2012, and continue next year. “We have a plan to conduct this activity every year so that 500 crore saplings will be planted in five years’ time,” he said.

At a meeting held in the city recently, the state government has decided that every district will submit its by-weekly progress report. All government officers will be involved in the programme.

Each school will be asked to plant and take care of at least 100 saplings. The minister said the public works department has to play a major role, as it has been asked to plant saplings alongside the roads.

“As many old trees were axed under road expansion, there is a need for plantation alongside these stretches,” he said.

The government will ensure the availability of saplings for the project.

“The preparations have already begun. The government, private nurseries and many women self-help groups will be given the task. If needed, saplings will be purchased from other states,” he said.

A district-level committee, under the chairmanship of collector, will evaluate the drive on a monthly basis. The panel, comprising zilla parishad CEO, officers from irrigation, tribal development and forest departments, will look into the target, availability of plants, and administration of sanction of grants.

“Public participation is very essential in ensuring this drive’s success,” he said.