Forest department to plant 9.5 lakh saplings in Bist circle during this monsoon – Kataruchakk

Phillaur (Jalandhar): Punjab Forest and Wildlife Minister Lal Chand Kataruchakk on Thursday said that as per the directions of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, his department would plant 9.5 lakh saplings across Bist circle during ongoing monsoon season.

90-percent of the plantation has already been completed in this circle and remaining exercise will be over soon.

During a meeting held with officers of the Bist Forest circle in Phillaur, Kataruchakk said that 3.5 lakh saplings in Gurdaspur and Amritsar forest circles respectively and 2.5 lakh saplings in Jalandhar circle were being planted. He said that instructions were already issued to officers for ensuring proper upkeep of these saplings. He underscored the important role that trees play in preserving the environment, improving air quality, conserving water and soil health and said that the youth must become ambassadors of environment conservation to make ‘Green and Clean Punjab’.

The Minister also stressed upon the maximum deployment of MG-NREGA workers for the plantation to ensure that they continue to get employment. He also asked the officers to give utmost priority on the planned plantation along the highways and other state roads. Later, he also told the officials to submit the proposal of installing iron chain-link fencing along the forest border of Jalandhar division.

Earlier, he reviewed the implementation of various programs in this circle and also planted a sapling in the office complex of the forest department.

Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Conservator of Forests ( Bist Circle) Satender Kumar Sagar, Divisional Forest Officer Jarnail Singh and other range officers.