Following the bitter experience of the previous rainy season which had adversely impacted the growth of saplings planted in Harita Haram programme, the district administration is planning to implement the programme with more care.
While last year the target fixed was 3.57 crore saplings plantation, the officials were able to distribute only 1.18 crore saplings due to adverse weather conditions which prevented even the interested persons to come forward and plant saplings.
About 2.38 crore saplings remained at the private and government nurseries and they were protected for the past several months by watering so that they can be used this year. It was estimated that only 60 per cent the saplings planted in the first phase survived.
The initial target fixed this year was t 5 crore saplings, but was reduced to 2.38 crore new saplings in addition to previous stock in view of the prevailing adverse conditions. The social forestry department would take care of 1.13 crore saplings followed by District Water Management Agency (DWMA) 65 lakh, District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) 10 lakh and Horticulture 3 lakh saplings.
In the first phase of Harita Haram, the demand for Indian dates was high the officials were unable to supply them in the season. At least three to four showers are required for the survival of the plant. In view of the previous experience the officials kept about 11 lakh Indian dates saplings ready for planting. They would be supplied to the farmers once the season commences in the month of May/ June depending on the rain fall.
Different industries and government departments are placing indent for saplings with the social forestry department which would coordinate with other departments. For example Siddipet, Sangareddy and Zaheerabad municipalities and Dubbak and Gajwel Nagar panchayats put together placed an indent for about 8.3 lakh saplings. Similarly, the irrigation department gave an order for 12.4 lakh, industries department 5 lakh, endowment and education departments two lakh each saplings for plantation.
The saplings being offered included Maredu, custard apple, Neem, Bhunia, Bignonia and others.“We are making all arrangements for the second phase of Harita Haram. About 2 crore saplings are getting ready in addition to about 2.23 crore saplings remained from the first phase.
However, availability of water is a serious problem,” said Mr. D. Sudhakar Reddy, District Forest Officer (Social Forestry).
