“The Social Forestry wing of the Forest Department has planted a whopping 1.11 lakh saplings of different varieties across the district this year. The department aims to plant 1.30 lakh saplings in the remaining months of monsoon. The plantation not only helps improve the environment but also protects bunds and fields from overflowing rainwater,” said Divisional Officer Neeta Nannaware of the Social Forestry Department. Sharing the progress made by the department so far, Nannaware informed ‘The Hitavada’ that the saplings were planted at 58 sites in Nagpur district. Highest 21,485 saplings were planted at six sites of Katol tehsil, followed by 19,000 saplings at 14 sites of Kamptee tehsil, 18,221 saplings at six sites of Kuhi tehsil, 12,320 saplings at four sites of Umred tehsil, 9,333 saplings at four sites of Parseoni tehsil, 9,000 saplings at eight sites of Hingna tehsil, 5,500 saplings at seven sites of Ramtek tehsil, 4,944 saplings at two sites of Nagpur tehsil, 4,000 saplings each at Bhivapur and Narkhed tehsils and 3,333 saplings at a site of Kalmeshwar tehsil, she added.

 

In Umred tehsil, the department has set the highest target of 22,109 saplings plantation, but just 12,320 saplings have been planted so far. Similarly, a target of 15,500 saplings plantation was decided for Ramtek tehsil as against plantation of 5,500 saplings in reality so far. Various plants with different stages of growth have been raised at 19 nursery centres in the Nagpur district. They have been provided with the necessary compost for plantation, informed Nannaware. She added that the department also takes up plantation drive along key roads through labourers and school students. The department identifies the locations for plantation and deploy a guard after plantation for safety of the plants. The department is deploying a guard for the area of two kms who protects the plants from cattle and other animals, she said. Concerned Gram Panchayat, Municipal Council and Zilla Parishad have to take care of the plants after three years of growth. 

 

Covid-19 impact: Not a single sapling planted last year School students play most important role in the tree plantation drives. As the schools are closed due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, the department is facing problems in tree plantation. Last year, not a single sapling was planted by the department due to the pandemic.