UP to plant one crore saplings on single day; to set world record

Lucknow, June 11 (UNI) The Uttar Pradesh government has embarked upon a record setting venture to plant one crore saplings on a single day under the much-touted 'Operation Green.' The plantation would take place on July 31 across the state, principal secretary (Forests) V N Garg said. Representatives from the Guiness Book of World Records would monitor the event.

''Two independent witnesses per site will sign a document to confirm the plantation,'' Mr Garg added.

So far, Tamil Nadu holds the world record of planting 2.5 lakh saplings on a single day.

The Forest department today organised a workshop to sensitise its officials and others about the ambitious plan. ''We want the common man to be involved in the effort,'' Mr Garg said.

The state EDucation department will play a major role in the effort by involving schools. Farmers too will pitch in. In Sitapur district, 15 farmers have pledged to plant 1000 saplings. The Forest officials, who attended the workshop, were asked to raise funds through the corporate sector and other government agencies, including the horticulture department which gets central funds for plantation.

The target for Lucknow division is one million saplings, for Faizabad division 1.3 million saplings, for Meerut division is 557,000 saplings, and for Agra the target is 850,000 saplings.

The forest department proposes to involve schools, colleges, government departments and NGOs across the state in the project.

The forest department has 10 million saplings ready to be planted across the state. While plants which require less water have been selected, at select places, the department plans to plant ornamental and fruit plants.

''Photographic documentation is a must. Without proper photography, we will consider the plantation a failure,'' Mr Garg said.

UNI