Intending to fight against global warming, climate change issues and to save the environment, the Maharashtra state government has decided to plant trees on a large scale. The government has set a target of 50 crore saplings to be planted over the next three years--from 2017 up to 2019.
A circular issued by the state finance department stated that 50 crore trees will be planted in the next three years. The circular also appealed to all other departments to join the initiative and to take care of maintaining a survival rate between 80% and 90%. Last year's drive by the state forest department resulted in planting 2.82 crore saplings across the state. The circular stated that the same initiative should continue further without a break. Last year, about 16 departments had participated in tree plantation and the government now expects about 33 departments to participate this time.
As regards the expenditure, the circular says that all departments should manage their expenditure from their sanctioned fund or can seek funding by means of corporate social responsibility . In the case of a financial crunch, the forest department may distribute saplings free of cost.
“Rain in various regions arrives after June 15.So all departments and gram panchayants should start their plantation programme, as per convenience, between June 15 and July 7 to complete the target of 50 crore,“ said principal secretary (finance) V Giriraj.
A senior official from the department said that the state has 20% under forest cover which aimed to increase up to 33% in the next three years.
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