Prioritising the health and wellness of state residents, the Uttar Pradesh government will implement the upcoming plantation drive in July, with a special focus. When the pandemic has highlighted the need for immunity-boosting practices, the state machinery has planned to include medicinal and aromatic plants in the campaign. As per the forest department authorities, over 18 species of such saplings, including Dahujan, Amaltas, Arjun, Neem, Kadamba, Ashok and Hibiscus will be planted.
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As per available information, 418 lakh saplings of medically beneficial plants will be planted. Apart from this, nearly 36 varieties of medicinal and nutritional plants will also be part of the drive. This comprises Bael, Amla (gooseberry), Kaitha, Jamun (java plum), Bahera and Harr. In total, 2,82,05,994 plants with medicinal properties shall be included in this program.
Nutritional plants will also include Custard Apple, Jackfruit, Lemon, Lasoda, Fig, Sycamore, Mahua, Mango, Mulberry, Jungle Jalebi, Guava, Pomegranate, Tamarind, Plum, Kinnow and Papaya.
With an objective of planting 30 crore saplings, the government is working with Forest Department, the nodal agency and 26 other departments. While 19.20 crore saplings are the responsibility are of other departments, the nodal agency will look after the safe plantation of 10.80 crore plants. As of now, 42.17 crore saplings have been nurtured in 1,813 of the Forest Department. Given the fact that the agro-climatic conditions of all districts are different, excess stock of saplings will ensure on-time availability.
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Assuring sufficient availability, saplings have also been prepared at the nurseries of Silk and Horticulture Department. It is to be noted that government departments, various court premises, farmers, individuals, private and government schools and other institutions shall be provided saplings from the Forest Department, for free. Further, the saplings will also be geo-tagged based on the areas in which they are planted.
As per records, over 60,24,46,551 saplings of different species have been planted in the drives of the past few years. Subsequently, a considerable improvement of forest and tree cover has been observed in the state.
- With inputs from IANS
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