Tamil Nadu - Dindigul   

Concerted effort to make Dindigul district green

— PHOTO: G. KARTHIKEYAN

Far-sighted: Collector R. Vasuki inspecting saplings being planted in a private farm at Pudupatti near Dindigul on Tuesday.

DINDIGUL: Over 16 lakh saplings will be planted in the district this year with peoples’ participation, according to Collector R. Vasuki.

Launching the one lakh saplings planting programme of Isha Yoga Centre at P.S.N.A. College of Engineering and Technology campus here on Tuesday, she said all section of people such as naturalists, non-governmental organisations, students and teachers in schools and colleges and even tribal people would be involved in making the district green.

All departments would also be roped in the process.

Already, the State Government has granted permission to promote tree plantations in private lands also. To begin with, plantation will take place in 1,500 acres in the district this year. Plantation was over in several areas.

Clusters will be formed uniting four or five farmers in a particular village for mass plantation of tree saplings not only to increase forest cover but also to enhance income of poor farmers having barren lands and create irrigation facilities.

Multi-cropping pattern will be adopted for sustainable income. One bore well would be sunk for each cluster for irrigation.

The Forest Department will extend financial assistance in digging and planting of tree saplings in their areas. After one year, Rs.1,500 per acre will be given for maintenance of crops. Landowners have full freedom to sell trees on maturity under this scheme.

Tree plantation will also be done at all villages chosen under All Village Anna Renaissance Scheme, she added. “Unite now to make the district green,” she added.

In his special address, District Forest Officer K. Kandasamy said developed countries have 60 to 70 per cent forest cover whereas India has 24.5 per cent only which 10 per cent was in good condition. On an average, 650 square metre of forest was needed to meet oxygen needs of one person, he added.

Earlier, Ms. Vasuki, Chief Educational Officer, P. Nachiar and College Director R.S.K. Raguraman distributed tree saplings to National Green Corps members, school and college students. Later, the collector inspected trees planted in private lands at Pudupatti village near Kannivadi.

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