Mohali, July 4 -- The Mohali forest division is aiming to plant 6.5 lakh saplings this monsoon, nearly double the target of 3.5 lakh last year. This year's campaign prioritises the survival and sustained growth of trees as well as achieving plantation targets.

The idea is to expand the district's green cover while also improving biodiversity, urban air quality and climate resilience. Of the total target, government departments will plant 2.5 lakh saplings while the remaining 4 lakh will be planted directly by the forest department with support from educational institutions, industries, village panchayats, resident welfare associations, Eco Clubs, NGOs, farmers and members of the public.

The additional deputy commissioner (development)-c...