In a bid to create at least one environmentally significant tree grove in each village during the Swarna Jayanti year of the State, the Haryana Government has planned to implement a scheme namely ‘Har Gaon Pedon Ki Chhaon’.

Under this, plantation of 100 indigenous plants would be undertaken in every village of the State. The scheme would be implemented from February-March 2017, said a spokesman of the Forests Department.

He said that the scheme is aimed at developing the roadside avenue of approach roads leading to and radiating from the districts, up to a distance of one kilometre.

He said that the department would undertake plantation of trees and shrubs having aesthetic value along such roads. The plantation would be carried out on panchayat land in consultation with the village panchayats. The native tree species, including fruit-bearing plants, would be preferred, he added.

The spokesman said that a city forest is also being developed at Murthal in district Sonepat, covering an area of 116 acres. As many as 16,000 plants of 62 species would be planted in the Forest. The plantation would be carried out from February onwards. So far, 2,500 tall plants of different species such as Pipal, Neem, Jamun and Chukrasia have been planted in the area, he added.

Apart from this, it is being planned to carry out eco restoration of the Brahmsar wetland in village Thana, district Kurukshetra, besides developing the area as conservation reserve in view of potential of the water body to support an array of aquatic flora and fauna, said the spokesman.

He said that work is also underway to renovate Morni Fort in district Panchkula and develop it as a heritage fort.