'Over 10 lakh saplings planted, distributed in UP'

Lucknow, Nov 7: Claiming to be a record of sorts, Uttar Pradesh government today said over 10 lakh saplings were either planted or distributed within a span of eight hours.

"Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav himself planted a 'peepal' plant at Maudaha dam in Hamipur district under a special plantation drive. It is a 'world record'," an official spokesperson said here.

As part of 'Clean UP, Green UP' campaign, he said the programme was executed through coordinated efforts of forest, irrigation departments, Noida and Greater Noida authority at 10 different places in the state.

"Between 8.30 am to 4.30 pm, more than 10.15 lakh plants were either planted or distributed for the area of 850 hectare," he said, adding that counting of plants distributed was done on the spot mechanically by auditors.

The spokesman said plants such as Sheesham, Kanji, Pakar, Neem, Arjun, Aonla, Chilbil, Imli, Bargad and Peepal were being planted by women, teachers, students, armymen, villagers and others, at pre-decided spots.

Arrangement of barb fencing and trench have also been made, whereas irrigation has been ensured through boring and canals, he added.

"The plantation was being done by creating a grid for which nodal officers have been appointed. To ensure survival of plants, arrangement of internal departmental audit has been made," the official said.

PTI