‘Green Chittoor’ initiative begins from Srikalahasti

‘Green Chittoor’, the novel initiative by the Forest Department to provide green cover across the district, began with Srikalahasti.

The idea is to plant a whopping 2.85 lakh saplings of all varieties and in all formats, right from kitchen garden to avenue plantation.

The Forest Department has taken up the task of reaching out to every household in a given gram panchayat and involving the public in the mission.

Avenue plantation

Under the avenue plantation, the department has identified 14 internal roads in Renigunta, Srikalahasti, Yerpedu and Thottambedu mandals, all coming under the Srikalahasti constituency, covering a distance of 44 km. “Estimates have been prepared and sanction accorded for taking up the task,” says Divisional Forest Officer (Social Forestry) G. Srinivasulu. Work on digging the pits had already started.

Homestead plantation

The other equally important facet of the project is homestead plantation, where the public will have a greater role. Village dwellers evincing interest in growing trees in their backyard or courtyard can approach the department for getting the saplings of their choice. “All that the residents will have to do is express their interest. The department will dig the pits and plant the saplings,” Mr. Srinivasulu added.

Varieties

The department will provide drumstick, pomegranate, curry leaf, tulasi, guava etc. to the residents, so that there will be more number of takers.

The department is involving the Mandal Parishad Development Officers and headmasters of the various schools to make it a mass movement.