Senior forest officials observed that the ongoing social forestry scheme, Vanam - Manam, had achieved a phenomenal success rate in Chittoor district, with survival of 88.6 per cent saplings out of a total of 12.71 lakh, apart from geo-tagging of 14.24 lakh saplings planted in the earlier phases of afforestation programmes in the East, West and social forestry divisions in the district.
Addressing a joint press conference here on Friday, Divisional Forest Officer (Social Forestry) G. Srinivasulu and DFO (Wildlife – Chittoor East) Jagannath Singh said that by 2029 the target of green cover in 50 per cent surface area in the district would be achieved, in addition to preparing block plantations in 400 acres.
The officials said that massive awareness camps would be organised to seek the maximum participation of public groups in the social forestry schemes.
The DFOs said that Vana Bhojanams would be organised at popular picnic spots of Kaigal Falls, Talakona Falls and Ubbala Madugu in the district on November 27, as part of the Karthika month celebrations by the forest department. All sections of public could participate in the events, the officials said.
