Civil society body, Ama Baleswar has embarked on a massive plantation drive in the district since June. Led by former MP RK Jena, people from various backgrounds under the forum are planting saplings. They have targetted to plant at least one lakh saplings. According to Jena, the plantation in the first phase will be fruit-bearing trees for which quality saplings have been procured from various reputed nurseries across India. Subsequently, other saplings would be procured and distributed, Jena told.
“In the initial phase, guava saplings are being distributed with handouts stating the importance of trees in human lives and how to nourish a guava plant with a set of dos and don’ts. A guava tree can yield fruit within a year, besides giving other benefits. The fruit is very useful for persons suffering from diabetes,” he told.