The State Government would distribute more than three crore saplings this year. This was informed by Forest and Environment Minister Bijayshree Routray at a State-level workshop to mark the World Day to Combat Desertification on Monday.
The saplings would be distributed free of cost across the State as part of the State’s afforestation policy. “The plantations that will be undertaken in the future will have a substantial visibility, unlike the previous years. Free saplings will be distributed under the Sabuja Odisha Mission across the State,” said Routray. The plantation drive along the National Highways and urban areas would also be intensified, he added.