Puducherry Lt. Governor Kiran Bedi on Thursday committed various government departments to the goal of planting 2,02,000 tree seedlings by October 2. Addressing officials of the forest and other departments, the Lt. Governor directed that only indigenous species of tree seedlings will be planted during the current year. The recommended varieties are Thespesia (Indian Tulip tree), Pongamia (Indian Beech) and Azadirachta indica (neem).
It has also been proposed to establish four arboretums — one each in Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam.
According to a press note from Raj Nivas, the tree sapling plantation campaign will involve the Chief Minister, Ministers, MLAs, NGOs, Rotary and Lions Clubs, eco clubs, students, Women Welfare Associations and residential welfare associations and NSS, NCC, Scouts & Guides.
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The site selection and seedlings preparation will be done by the Forest Department while the manpower will be pooled among the line departments.
The Pollution Control Bard has co-opted the industrial units to plant about 20,000 seedlings.
Treated waste water from medical colleges would be supplied to nurseries and plantation sites.
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Ms. Bedi has appealed to the public to start planting activities by availing seedlings from the Forest Department and also share photographic evidence to promote green Puducherry.