Chandigarh, December 8:
With a view to give impetus to the conservation, development and enhancement of existing forest & tree cover in the State under Greening Punjab Mission, the Forest and Wildlife Preservation Department led by the Minister in charge Lal Chand Kataruchak, is sparing no efforts. The department has carried out plantation of saplings under various schemes throughout the State as part of its endeavour to expand green cover in Punjab.
As many as 12,55,700 saplings have been planted under multiple novel initiatives. These include 3,31,000 saplings planted under urban forestry including plantation on institutional land and under Agro Forestry (Single row plantations in farmers fields adjoining link roads), 2,50,000 Poplar/Drek and 3,00,000 Eucalyptus trees. Furthermore, 20,800 plantations have been carried out as part of developing Pavittar Van with barbed wire as well as developing Nanak Bagichis with barbed wire. Besides, 46,500 saplings stand planted at industrial undertakings while the Schools have seen plantations up to 1,44,500. Apart from this, 1,62,900 Tall Plants have also been planted.
The objective of the plantations is the creation of green cover by planting maximum possible number of saplings on all available lands in the State, To raise nurseries, Generating awareness among the public regarding the initiatives of State Government to increase forest cover,, Making necessary arrangements for protection of plantations, Setting Up and maintenance of forest awareness parks in State & carrying out Forestry research as well as training activities.
