The Koti Vruksha Andolana, a campaign to plant one crore saplings in the State, was launched in Hassan on Saturday. As part of the campaign 2.5 lakh saplings will be planted in Hassan district.
A. Manju, Minister for Animal Husbandry and Sericulture and in-charge of Hassan district, who inaugurated the campaign, said that such a campaign was necessary for the betterment of the future.
“Earlier, farmers had no choice to but to grow plants that the Forest Department provided them. Now, the department is providing them with saplings of their choice. Farmers should take part in the campaign actively and grow as many plants as possible on their lands,” he said.
Regarding the proposed elephant corridor, the Minister said that farmers of Sakleshpur had come forward to give up their land for the corridor. “This is a rare gesture by the farmers, one not often witnessed anywhere else. I have discussed the issue with the Chief Minister. The government will take a stand on it soon,” he said.
Ganesh S. Bhat, Deputy Conservator of Forests, said the Vanamahotsava programme had been converted into a campaign to plant one crore saplings.
Chief Conservator of Forests A.K. Simha, Zilla Panchayat president Shwetha Devaraj, Hassan CMC president H.S. Anil Kumar and others were present on the occasion.
Such a campaign is necessary for the betterment of the future generation, says A. Manju
