Taking up plantation drive on a campaign mode, the State Government has written to all district Collectors to ensure carrying out of the drive in all schools under the School and Mass Education Department.

A decision to this effect was taken following two review meetings on plantation across the State held on June 25 and 27 under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Suresh Mahapatra.The Collectors are directed to take measures to ensure that all the schools have Green Coverage within a stipulated period by taking the following steps:

• Plantation can be taken up in all schools having boundary walls.
• Trees of forest species and fruit-bearing varieties which are suitable to local conditions of the schools must be planted in the campus.
• It is learnt that 22 districts were holding District Level Plantation Committee Meeting and in the meantime eight other districts might have completed the same. District Education Officers (DEOs) should attend such meeting. DEOs are advised to give requisition about the requirement of both forest and fruit-bearing species to the respective Collector’s office. Collectors should take steps to see that both Forest and Horticulture Departments provide the same as per the requirement.
• The Panchayati Raj Department has agreed to provide funds for maintenance of the plants for four years from NREGA fund.

• Private schools may also be encouraged for such plantation drive and DEOs are advised to take up the matter with them.

• Efforts should also be made for developing vermin compost pit in every school by recycling of MDM wastes and other biodegradable. The same thing can be taken up under NREGA.

• The special campaign can form a part of Vano Mahotsav, scheduled to be held July 1 to July 7.The department asked the Collectors to review the matter in the monthly DEOs/ BEOs’ meeting or any district-level meeting on plantation in presence of DEOs.