GDA set to plant 2.65 lakh saplings in green push

The authority announced to plant more than 2.65 lakh trees in various nook and corner, aiming to plant nearly 31,000 saplings every day. The authority also appealed to people to participate in the drive by planting trees in their localities.

“Deforestation can be stopped only when people are motivated to oppose unnecessary tree-felling and encouraged to plant saplings periodically. This is the only way to conserve the green cover and forests. The authority, in order to increase buffer zone, will take all possible measures,” said Vijay Kumar Yadav, Vice-Chairman of the GDA.

He said the authority has planted nearly five lakh saplings in the past five years and the target has been doubled this time. The concerned department, after conducting a detailed survey of the area and meeting with the RWA people and social organisations, has identified dozens of places where plantation will take place. “We have invited locals to participate in the drive and help in suggesting locations for plantation. If residents demand saplings for planting in and around their houses, GDA will give them saplings free of cost,” Yadav added.

The authority officials also informed that after going through the survey, it was decided to plant 1.65 lakh saplings and the proposal was sent to the state government for final approval. 

The state government then revised the proposal and asked GDA to plant 2.65 lakh saplings in order to fulfill the green cover criteria. 

The authority has decided to plant saplings of as many as 40 varieties of trees and shrubs including Azadirachta Indica, Anthecephauls Kadamba, Hibiscus Rosa Sinensis, Tecoma Stans and Calliandra. 

“This time we have decided to protect saplings through tree guards also. A total of 9,000 tree guards have been purchased so far and more are likely to be purchased for this purpose,” said a senior official of the horticulture department.