30 crore trees would be planted in UP

Lucknow, June 5 (UNI) Uttar Pradesh, which has lost most of its greenery to Uttaranchal, has decided to extend its green cover with the plantation of 30 crore trees during the current fiscal.

An announcement to this effect was made by state Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav on the occasion of World Environment day today.

The 30 crore saplings would be planted on one lakh hectare of land in UP. This is part of a scheme for enhancing the forest cover in the state.

Admitting the pressure of forests being coverted into residential and industrial areas owing to growing population, he said maximum green cover was essential for ecological and environmental balance.

''UP government is committed to providing green look to the state.

In the recent past, 2,990 kms forest cover has been added.'' Mr Yadav said the maintenance and upkeep of saplings was another important thing and the targetted plantation should be properly looked after.

Meanwhile at an Environment Day function here, state environment minister Ujjawal Raman Singh announced launching of an awareness campaign to protect environmental erosion of dry land. He called upon for public participation in this endeavour.

Mr Singh said dry lands had been identified in 34 districts, where efforts would be made to restore environmental balance.

''The idea is to increase the productivity and opportunities of employment to weaker and backward sections in these identified areas,'' the minister added.

A slogan of 'Do Not Erode The Dry Land' was also coined on the occasion.

He said farmers should be encouraged for plantation on private lands as well.

The Day was also celebrated at various levels in different parts of UP, reports reaching at the state headquarters here said.

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