Barmer/Balotra, July 3 -- In a major green initiative ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's July 4 visit to dedicate the HPCL Rajasthan refinery to the nation, the Rajasthan Forest Department will undertake a mega plantation drive to plant five lakh saplings in a day in and around the Pachpadra refinery, officials said on Thursday. The mega plantation drive has been initiated following directions from chief minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, who instructed officials to undertake large-scale greening around the refinery during a recent review meeting ahead of the Prime Minister's visit. The campaign aims to enhance the green cover around the refinery and showcase the state's commitment to environmental sustainability alongside industrial development. The Forest Department is identifying suitable plantation sites in the vicinity of the refinery and nearby areas, while arranging saplings suited to the desert ecosystem. Government departments, local bodies, educational institutions are expected to participate in the drive. Special emphasis is also being laid on post-plantation care to ensure a high survival rate of the saplings. District Conservator of Forests Savita Dahiya, while confirming the development, said, "The objective is not only to plant five lakh saplings but also to ensure their long-term survival through proper site selection, species selection and post-plantation care. We are coordinating with various departments, institutions and community groups to make the campaign a success," she said....