70 lakh saplings to be planted

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Forest Department will promote planting of 70 lakh saplings on World Environment Day (June 5) with public participation.

Forest Minister Benoy Viswom said here on Wednesday that the saplings would be planted on land belonging to the panchayats, communities, educational institutions, Railway and private parties besides on the sides of roads and the banks of rivers, lakes and pools. The panchayats would take the lead in planting and care of the seedlings.

The Department had targeted planting of one crore saplings under the Harita Keralam project launched last year with the participation of people from all walks of life, especially youth and students. Nearly 32 lakh seedlings were produced last year. This year, this was increased to 70 lakh. Some panchayats had grown their own nurseries.

The Minister said only seedlings of native trees were being distributed under the project. Mr. Viswom said this years planting of trees under the �Ente Maram programme, designed exclusively for students, would be launched on June 8.