India, July 22 -- Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Tuesday said the success of plantation drives lies not just in planting saplings but in ensuring their survival through proper care and maintenance. Chairing a review meeting on preparations for the upcoming Van Mahotsav in Chandigarh, he said the campaign should become a mass movement with active public participation to strengthen environmental conservation and expand the state's green cover. Officials informed the meeting that Haryana has set a target of planting 1.40 crore saplings under this year's Van Mahotsav campaign. Of these, the Forest Department will plant 1.10 crore saplings at around 3,400 locations, while other departments will plant 30 lakh saplings at nearly 900 sites. Plantation drives will be held in four phases on July 30, August 7, August 14 and August 21.
Saini directed officials to involve social and religious organisations, NGOs and the public in the campaign. He also asked the Forest Department to prepare a comprehensive action plan for the "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0" campaign. The Chief Minister said Urban Local Bodies should lead plantation drives in cities and ensure saplings are protected with tree guards. He also directed that suitable shade-giving tree species be planted along roads, while major intersections, public spaces and village entry points should be beautified through extensive plantation. A special plantation drive will also be organised during the proposed marathon in Yamunanagar. Officials said all saplings planted during the campaign would be geo-tagged for regular monitoring. Saini also directed ULBs to involve Ward Committees, schools, School Management Committees and parents in maintaining saplings and spreading awareness about environmental conservation. He said MLAs, ministers and other public representatives would also participate in the campaign to encourage public involvement and ensure long-term survival of the planted saplings.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.