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Tree-planting drive in Pondicherry

Rajesh Nair

— Photo:T. Singaravelou

A sapling planted at Periyar Street in Lawspet.

PONDICHERRY: The Forest Department here has drawn up an ambitious plan to paint the town green. If all goes according to plan, the town and its suburbs should wear a verdant, green look in the not too distant future.

The Forest Department, in association with the Local Administration and PWD, came up with the scheme to plant saplings along the roads. Already 2,000 seedlings have been planted, and by the year-end, the Forest Department would have planted around 10,000 saplings, said a senior official of the Department. In its effort to green the town, the Department plans to involve residential associations, especially in the maintenance of the trees. The idea seems to be going down well, with many residential associations coming forward to take up the responsibility.

"If more associations join the effort, we will be able to plant more saplings," he said.

The Department is also targeting public enterprises, private companies and schools in its effort. "We have distributed around 3 lakh seedlings to these institutions to plant them on their premises," he added. There are around 70 species of plants such as Peepal, Peltophorum, Delonih, Cassiasistula, Cassianodusa, Cardia, Albizia, Melaina, Jamun, Asoka, Neem and Silver oak that have been procured by the Department for planting. It's not just saplings; but the Department is also distributing bamboo tree guards to protect the tender plants.

Though many have welcomed the plan, some are cautious. "The plan's success depends on how the trees are maintained. They have to be guarded properly and watered. Also, they have to be properly planted so that they are not uprooted ," said Venkatesh, a resident of Avvai Nagar in Lawspet.

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