Save every sapling planted: Collector Rajiv Gandhi Hanumanthu

Asifabad: Informing that the district's target of saplings' plantation is 1.23 crore as per the government and mandal-wise targets are allotted, District Collector Rajiv Gandhi Hanumanthu directed the officials to work hard to complete the target without fail. He told them to take up the plantation drive once the rains comes.

Addressing an awareness meeting on the government's prestigious programme 'Haritha Haram' attended by ZPTCs, MPTCs and district officials at the Collector's conference hall in Asifabad on Wednesday. Hanumanthu said forest officers will be appointed as convenors for this programme.

According to the State government's Panchayat Raj Act 2018, every gram panchayat needs to grow a nursery and 40,000 plants should be planted under each gram panchayat every year. Neem, teak, fruits and flower-bearing plants is to be planted, he said. MPDOs, Panchayat Secretaries, MROs and ZPTCs should conduct meetings and work with coordination.

Nodal officers were appointed for every village and Vana Seva Assistants will also appointed to take care of every sapling that is planted.

The Collector informed that the government has decided to give Rs 5 to each and every plant to Vana Seva Assistants for plantation and the government is also planning to provide a uniform for them.

Asifabad Zilla Parishad chairperson Kova Laxmi said the plantation drive is being conducted every year and its every ones responsibility to plant and protect the trees after plantation. Saplings are to be planted beside camp office roads and every school has to plant saplings.