Forest Dept. pushes for quality plants to boost horticulture

New Delhi: The Forest Department wants to improve the plant and tree quality to encourage horticulture farmers. In this regard, the department has established inter-departmental teams to monitor the trees planted during the monsoon season. The duty of the teams is to inspect plantation sites regularly and, after the survey, submit detailed reports. After that, the top brass of the department will review the report.

In a recent review meeting, Arun Kumar Saxena, Minister of State for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, directed forest conservators to form teams of Divisional Forest Officers (DFOs). These teams will conduct field visits and verify the plantation work done in July and August. Plantations carried out by other government departments will also be reviewed. District plantation committees will inspect these sites with the help of designated teams, and all findings will be reported to the forest department.

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This year, 36.5 crore saplings were planted through the collective efforts of 26 government departments, with the forest department acting as the nodal agency. Since 2017, under the Yogi government, annual plantation drives have aimed to achieve large-scale green cover targets.

The state governments have also been focusing on the proper care and protection of the newly planted seedlings. Several guidelines were issued earlier this year, highlighting regular watering of trees, field inspections, and safeguarding plantation areas. This effort will certainly help the growth of saplings and their proper flourishing, contributing to the state’s green initiatives.