The State government will plant 1 crore saplings from July 2 to 10 under the Koti Vraksha Abhiyan to increase green cover across Karnataka, and it will be launched simultaneously in all districts.
This move is being spearheaded by the Forest Department through other government departments, NGOs, and individuals are welcome to participate.
The thrust will be on planting local indigenous species and it is incumbent on the Forest Department to protect and maintain the saplings for three years by which time they will be mature.
It is a first in Karnataka
“It’s for the first time in the State that the department is planning to plant one crore saplings across the State in a week, and it is a major project to enhance green cover,” said the Chief Conservator of Forests, B.M. Parameshwar here on Wednesday. He was speaking to mediapersons after inaugurating a tree park at Aloka campus on the outskirts of the city.
Deputy Conservator of Forests V. Karikalan said there were 40 divisions and 13 circles across the State, and since the target was divided, it was easily achievable. He said adequate saplings are available with the Forest Department, and in Mysuru district alone 15 lakh saplings will be planted during the Kotri Vraksha Abhiyan. Besides, there are saplings available under the Raising of Saplings for Plantation and Distribution and Krishi Aranya Prothsaha Yojana (KAPY).
Under KAPY, farmers will be get saplings and seedlings to be planted on their land, and for each sapling that survives, they will receive an incentive of Rs.10 per seedling that survives in the first year and Rs.15 and Rs. 20 per surviving seedling during the second and third year respectively.
The State has a forest cover of nearly 22 per cent and the target is to achieve 33 per cent green cover as per the National Forest Policy.
