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Govt. launches tree plantation drive

Special Correspondent

LUCKNOW: Uttar Pradesh has launched a massive tree plantation campaign for expanding its green cover. The first phase began on Independence Day with a record number of 2.19 lakh trees being planted in 68 districts.

State Chief Secretary Naveen Chandra Bajpai told newspersons on Wednesday that the trees of 8 to 16 feet in height were planted on 10-acre plots selected by the district magistrates.

According to Mr. Bajpai, the drive could not be held in Bijnor and Sidhartnagar districts due to some unforeseen reasons.

He said the next phase of the drive was scheduled for September 5 when the scheme would be initiated in all the schools and colleges in the State.

"The drive is in keeping with Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav's decision to replenish the forest and green cover in the State."

Fifteen species of trees were planted on Tuesday, which included Peepul, Neem, Gul Mohar, Banyan, Sheesham, Neem, Arjun, Maulshree and Mango. The average cost of planting one tree was around Rs 48.

Before the creation of the hill State of Uttaranchal on November 8, 2000, the forest cover in undivided Uttar Pradesh was 11.55 per cent, which was well below the national average of around 33 per cent.

The major portions of the forests were in the hill region. After the creation of Uttaranchal, about 44 per cent of the 11.55 per cent forest cover in U.P. went over to the neighbouring State.

Presently, the forest cover in the State measures only 4.4 per cent.

The Chief Secretary said the State suffered on account of the loss in forest cover including depletion in underground water resources due to a rapid run-off of surface water.

He said the Government proposed to involve citizens, NGOs, institutions and voluntary agencies in the green campaign.

About rampant tree felling by the road construction authorities, Mr. Bajpai said in his recent meeting with Union Surface Transport Minister T.R. Baalu, the Chief Minister had suggested that instead of felling the trees they should be used as road dividers.

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