Haritha Haram: 2 lakh saplings to be planted in a single day

All arrangements in place for the fourth phase of plantation drive

All set: District Collector Sarfaraz Ahmad, Municipal Commissioner K. Shashanka and Satavahana University officials inspecting a site on campus to plant saplings, in Karimnagar on Monday.

Stage is set for the launch of fourth phase of Haritha Haram in the district on July 21. Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan would likely launch the programme at Satavahana University on the outskirts of Karimnagar, said District Collector Sarfaraz Ahmad.

On Monday, the Collector and Municipal Commissioner K. Shashanka along with Satavahana University officials inspected the sites where saplings would be planted on the university premises.

On the day of the launch, a total of 2,000 saplings would be planted.

Later, at a review meeting on Haritha Haram, the Collector instructed the district officials to take all measures to plant at least two lakh saplings in a single day on July 21 in the district.

He asked the officials to plant saplings along the panchayat roads in villages and erect tree guards using gram panchayat or NREGS funds. He said the gram panchayats could utilise at least ₹1 lakh for tree guards in each village to protect the saplings.

He said the government offices should take up a massive plantation drive in open places. He added that they would distribute around 11 lakh fruit-bearing and flowering plants to all the residents in the district. DRDO Venkateshwar Rao, District Forest Officer Srinivas, ZP CEO Padma Rani, DPO Narayana Rao and others were also present.