4 lakh saplings to be planted in Chandigarh this fiscal

The UT Forest Department has planned to plant over 4 lakh saplings across the city during the fiscal 2026-27.

During a meeting chaired by Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria today to review the preparedness for the Plantation Plan 2026–27, the Chief Conservator of Forests informed that against the target of 5,76,221, as many as 6,64,133 saplings were planted under the Greening Chandigarh Action Plan 2025–26. The overall survival rate was recorded at 79%.

The Administrator was apprised of the preparations for the 2026–27 plan. It was informed that the focus this year will be on the quality of plantation rather than quantity. This year’s target was fixed at 4,19,854 saplings.

The plantation plan for Dadumajra was also reviewed. The MC Commissioner informed that around 10,000 saplings will be planted at the site in consultation with the Forest Department. Species such as bamboo, flowering trees, bougainvillea, camphor, neem and other suitable species would be planted.

The Administrator also reviewed preparations for the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign. He directed the MC to actively involve citizens in the campaign, particularly by encouraging plantation activities in parks and gardens.

The UT and MC chief engineers were directed to ensure vegetative cover, preferably grass, in all vacant spaces along roads. Such measures, Kataria observed, would enhance the aesthetic appeal of the city, strengthen soil binding and contribute to mitigation of air pollution.