Patna: Bihar has planted more than 1.39 crore saplings so far as part of its annual Van Mahotsav festival, state officials said, in a major push to expand green cover and conserve forests.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar inaugurated the festival on 13 July by planting trees, launching a three-month campaign that aims to plant five crore saplings across the state. Varieties being planted include teak, mahogany, silk cotton, jamun, and arjun.
The Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change reported that a range of government and non-government institutions have contributed to the campaign. The Forest Department alone has planted 96 lakh saplings, while the Rural Development Department’s Jeevika initiative has planted 10 lakh and MNREGA has contributed more than 42 lakh. Schools and colleges have planted over 1.43 lakh saplings, with horticulture and agriculture departments adding another 42,000.
Under the initiative, saplings are available to the public at Rs 10 per plant. The Forest Department will provide a grant of Rs 60 per tree to those who protect them for three years. Five free saplings are also being distributed to individuals planting trees, while government schools and colleges receive additional free plants.
A dedicated call centre has been established to assist citizens seeking more information about the campaign. It can be reached at 0612-2226911.
