The Rural Development and Panchayat Department, Punjab, in accordance with the flagship Tandarust Punjab Mission initiative of the State Government, has got planted about 20 lakh saplings on the panchayat lands during the current fiscal year under MGNREGA.The Rural Development and Panchayat Minister, Punjab, Mr. Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa today disclosing this said that the department has brought 7909 acres of panchayat land under sapling plantation. The minister also said that strict instructions have been given to the department to ensure proper upkeep and maintenance of the planted saplings.Mr. Bajwa also said that the state government has initiated the campaign to plant saplings throughout Punjab to ensure cleaner and greener environment along with the campaign against drugs and adulteration under Tandarust Punjab Mission. He also said that special efforts are being made to ensure that the saplings are maintained perfectly well.The minister also divulged that under the campaign the saplings of Tahli, Toon, Khair, Kikkar, Burma Neem, Bohar, Imli, Botal Barsh, Arjan, Jamun, Guava (Amrood), Peepal, Mulberry, Sukhchain, Mango, Kadam, Shuhanjana, Hbiscus, Bouganvillea, Berry, Kaner, Gulmohar and Dharek have been planted. Apart from this, 9 lakh saplings have been planted at common places such as School, Cremation Ground and Village water house.The Principal Secretary, Rural Development and Panchayat, Mr. Anurag Verma said that besides this, preparations are being made regarding the plantation drive to be carried out next year and a nursery of 79.70 lakh saplings is being readied under MGNREGA. He further said that the support of the NGOs is also being solicited under which a nursery of 5 lakh saplings is being prepared at village seechewal in Jalandhar under the supervision of Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal through panchayat/DFO.