CM to launch plantation drive in all villages: Minister

Tribune News Service

Sultanpur Lodhi, Nov 20

Forest Minister Sadhu Singh Dharamsot said today that Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh would launch a major plantation drive on November 23 as part of the year-long celebrations to mark the 550th Parkash Utsav of Guru Nanak Dev.

The minister, who was here to review the arrangements for the mega event, said under the extensive drive, 550 saplings would be planted in every village of the state by September 30 next year.

The minister said during the drive, trees of species such as Amaltas, Amla, Arjun, Bahera, Siris, Bohar, Imli, Jamun, Kachnaar, Neem, Moulsari, Mulberry, Putranjiva, Shisham and Sukh Chain would be planted in the villages.

He said on the occasion, children would be encouraged to adopt one tree each and ensure their proper growth and upkeep.

Dharamsot said the main thrust of the drive was to make younger generation an active partner of the campaign for planting more and more trees.

Underlining the need to plant more trees to make the state clean, green and pollution-free, the minister said it was the need of hour to check environmental pollution in the state. He asked people to come forward for making the drive a grand success as this gigantic task could not be accomplished without their active support and participation.

Dharamsot also asked panchayats, youth clubs and schools, besides social, religious and non-government organisations to contribute towards the noble initiative.

Earlier, Sultanpur Lodhi MLA Navtej Singh Cheema, Deputy Commissioner Mohammed Tayyab and SSP Satinder Singh apprised the minister about the arrangements being made by the district administration for the event.

Divisional Forest Officer Vikram Kundra, Forest Range Officer Davinder Singh were among those others present.