A mega plantation drive would be organized throughout the state in the aegis of Himachal Pradesh State Red Cross Society in the third week of July in this year under which about one lakh saplings would be planted. This was disclosed in a meeting held at Raj Bhavan here today under the chairmanship of Governor Bandaru Dattatraya.On this occasion, the Governor said that in view of the Corona pandemic there has been a greater feeling among the people towards environmental protection, which needs to be made realistic. He said that such campaigns should be organized regularly and efforts should be made to maintain the liveliness of the plants. He said that students, Mahila Mandals and NGOs should be involved in these campaigns. He directed the forest department to organize such events in future also with the coordination of Red Cross, and by connecting other departments as well. He emphasized on the plantation of fruit and medicinal plants.Chairperson State Red Cross Hospital Welfare Branch Dr. Sadhna Thakur said that due to the Corona pandemic, Red Cross could not accelerate activities like plantation and Red Cross Melas for some time. But, as the outbreak of the pandemic would be settled, this campaign would be extended. She said that the Red Cross has done a good job at the district level during the pandemic. She appealed that more and more people should be associated with its works and they should be made aware of its activities. She appealed that particularly people of the grass root level should be connected with the plantation campaign.Principal Chief Conservator of Forest Dr. Savita gave detailed information about plantation activities.On this occasion, discussions were held with the Deputy Commissioners and Sub-Divisional Officers of all the districts of the State through video conferencing.Secretary to Governor Rakesh Kanwar apprised about the detailed outline of plantation drive.