Tamil Nadu - Dindigul   

2.5 lakh saplings planted

DINDIGUL: For the first time, 2.5 lakh saplings were planted in different parts of the district in a single day, thanks to participation of community and voluntary organisations.

Over 350 tree saplings were planted on the collectorate campus alone. Other saplings were planted on the campus of all government and private schools and colleges, roadsides, on the bunds of rural tanks, river banks and near other water bodies at all villages, panchayat unions, town panchayats and municipalities and industries.

Twelve varieties of saplings, including that of Neem, Indian Beech (Pungan), Banyan, Pipal, Anona, Portia, (Poovarasu), South Indian Mahua (Iluppai), Amla, Mayil Kondai and other varieties were distributed.

Over 1.5 lakh students in schools and colleges, farmers, 11,500 SHG members, members of Rotary and Lions clubs, voluntary organisations, Isha Yoga Centre and government officials in all departments took part in the massive exercise.

Workers at panchayat union and villages panchayats dug the pits for the public to plant saplings within their limits. Already, the size and depth of the pit was tutored to the workforce.

Training was imparted to workers three months ago.

This was not a government programme and executed by the community only. Funds for this programme were raised from volunteers, textile and leather industries and donors only. The district administration acted as a facilitator only, said Collector M. Vallalar, who launched the programme at the Collectorate here on Monday.

If these plants were grown properly, it would cover 3,000 acres in the district and provide oxygen to 54,000 people. One tree in every house would equal the comfort offered by an air-conditioner. The total forest cover in the district was just 26 per cent.

This exercise would enhance the area of forests in plains considerably. Maintaining these trees was more important than planting them.

All these volunteers who engaged in the programme would look after these trees and ensure proper growth, he added.

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