Shahdol forest division on Monday created a ‘world record’ by planting 60 lakh saplings in three districts of Shahdol division.
Forest Minister Sartaj Singh launched the mega campaign by planting a sapling at village Diyapeepar in Gohparo development block in Shahdol district. Minister of State for Forests Jai Singh Marawi and officers of Shahdol division and Forest Department were also present on the occasion.
The Forest Minister said that Shahdol forest division was making a strong presence felt in the world environment. Today, about 60 lakh saplings were planted at 44,000 places in about 1,000 villages of Shahdol division, which proved to be a great environmental boon for Madhya Pradesh and country in future. Singh also appealed the people and Forest department to look after these saplings for sometime so that they can grow into trees.
The Minister said that the State Government had taken a number of important decisions to promote afforestation in the State so that farmers can earn maxim profits. Khamer trees have been exempted from TP. Khamer is comparable to teak. Plantation can become axis of economic revolution in the State. Madhya Pradesh Bamboo Board has been constituted to provide latest look to bamboo products. The Forest Minister took stock of plantation work at village Karri and also planted a sapling there.
Chief Conservator of Forests Y Satyam informed that preparations for the mega campaign were made for last 11 months. People were constantly motivated to undertake plantation on private land outside forest areas. As a result, 1.50 lakh people of Shahdol division’s 3 districts - Shahdol, Umaria and Anuppur participated in the campaign simultaneously.Minister of State for Forests Jai Singh Marawi also spoke on the occasion.