With an aim to convert Ludhiana into a greener city and to bring down pollution levels, the district administration has chalked out a plan under which more than five lakh trees would be planted in the district by August 31, 2016. Deputy Commissioner Mr Ravi Bhagat said that these are the best weather conditions for planting tree saplings and all city residents should avail this opportunity to the fullest.While chairing a meeting at Bachat Bhawan, here today, Deputy Commissioner Mr Ravi Bhagat stated that for making Ludhiana district greener and for achieving this target, the district administration, officials from all government departments, NGOs as well all city residents would contribute.Mr Ravi Bhagat said that for connecting directly with the students regarding this social cause, "Adopt-A-Tree" drive would be initiated amongst students. He said that all schools and colleges should urge their students to adopt at least one tree each and they can even install their name plate in front of the tree.
The DC said that by doing this, the students would feel connected with the tree saplings and would take proper care of them. He also said that main aim of this drive is not merely planting the trees, but also their maintenance so that the saplings grow into a full grown tree with the passage of time.He said major part of the funds and manpower would be provided through the MGNREGA and all SDM's would personally supervise the drive in their respective sub-divisions. He directed all government departments to submit their demand for tree saplings with the office of Divisional Forest Officer Mr Vishal Chauhan in writing so that they get the tree saplings on time. He also asked the representatives from the Education Department to plant fruit trees in schools.Deputy Commissioner Mr Ravi Bhagat asked the SDM's to scout for land in their respective sub-divisions where tree saplings can be planted.
"Along with land, the SDM's as well as heads of all government departments would also appoint nodal officers who would make sure these tree saplings are properly taken care of," said Mr Bhagat.Divisional Forest Officer Mr Vishal Chauhan informed that they have launched an Android-based mobile app, "i-Hariyali", through which each resident can get up to 10 tree saplings totally free of cost. He said that sometimes, people want good quality plants, but are not aware from where they can buy them. He said that the residents just need to download "i-Hariyali" mobile app from Google Play Store for booking the plants with Forest Department and after few days, they can get them totally free of cost. He said that through "i-Hariyali", residents can choose tree saplings including timber trees, medicinal plants, ornamental trees, fruit trees, and herbs.Prominent among those who attended the meeting included Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development) Miss Apneet Riyait, all SDM's, representatives of various NGO's, besides several others.