Dehra MLA launches mass plantation drive

In a strong push for environmental conservation, Dehra MLA Kamlesh Thakur on Wednesday inaugurated a mass plantation campaign in Gher Mangarh Panchayat under the 76th Forest Festival, organised by the Dehra Forest Division. The campaign began with the MLA planting a mango sapling, symbolising the start of a green initiative in the region.

Addressing the gathering, Thakur urged citizens to plant at least one tree each, stressing that “trees are the foundation of life and the most effective defence against natural disasters.” She highlighted the state’s commitment to afforestation through the Rajiv Gandhi Forest Conservation Scheme, which allocates Rs 100 crore for plantation and maintenance activities from 2025 to 2030.

Under this scheme, Mahila Mandals, Yuvak Mandals, Self Help Groups and Joint Forest Committees will manage plantation activities, including nurturing saplings for five years. On the occasion, the MLA also presented a cheque of Rs 1.92 lakh to Mahila Mandal Khanwada of Shivnath Panchayat and distributed 450 free saplings, including medicinal plants like neem, peepal and tulsi, to school children.

Local resident Jaminta Ram Kaundal contributed Rs 21,000 to the Chief Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund. Thakur further announced the CBSE affiliation of two local schools and addressed public grievances, resolving many on the spot.

The Forest Department reported that plantation has been carried out across 80 hectares so far, with further expansion planned. Conservator of Forests Nishant Mandotra, Sunny Verma DFO Dehra, along with local leaders, officials, villagers and students, actively participated in the campaign, which received widespread community support.