Students to lead UP plantation drive

Students across state will take up the responsibility of planting over two crore plants in the state this year.

“This year the target is even bigger. We shall plant 6.5 crore saplings against the 5 crore target in 2016. And over two crore of them will be planted by students,” said Rupak De, principal chief conservator of forests, UP.

As per the plan, the forest department will have the plant 4.3 crore saplings and the remaining will be divided among several departments. “All the departments entrusted with the task of plantation, including forest department, will have students planting maximum of them,” said De. A government order is likely to be issued for plantation that will have details of department wise-plantation responsibilities.

The chief minister in a programme on environment day had mentioned that students should be involved in plantation. Each department in their respective areas will be contacting schools in this regard. The idea is to make students familiar with nature and make them understand the importance of trees in human life.

The selection of plant species remains the same as was done in previous years. Plants are selected keeping in view the soil quality and the average rainfall that the area where plantation is being done gets annually. “For example in Bundelkhand region, plants that survive in less water will be planted and near river beds in east UP Neema, Sheesham etc. This has been the trend for the past several years,” said De.

The plant species are Pakar, Bargad, Kanji, Mahua, Peepal. Fruit bearing plants will also get space wherever possible, particularly in the areas near rivers and west UP.

Uttar Pradesh holds a record of planting 5 crore saplings in 24 hours. As the target has been increased, the forest department is looking for more land with the help of administration in all the districts.

A GOVT ORDER IS LIKELY TO BE ISSUED FOR PLANTATION THAT WILL HAVE DETAILS OF DEPARTMENT WISEPLANTATION RESPONSIBILITIES.