Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has said that plants will be geo tagged and linked with aadhar numbers of those who planted the sapling to monitor the growth of the plants. He said every citizen should take part in massive plantation programme to transform the state as Haritha Andhra Pradesh.
The Chief Minister launched Mission Harita Andhra Pradesh by planting saplings at Sunkollu village of Nuzvid mandal in Krishna district on Friday. Addressing a meeting on the occasion, he said that the fourth Saturday of every month will be allotted for Vanam- manam programme. He said a debate should be organised in colleges, universities and offices in the afternoon of every fourth Saturday on plantation programme.
The Chief Minister said priority should be given for fruit- bearing plants to develop AP as an horticulture hub. He stressed the need for research on plantation programme to beautify the hill regions with colourful plants. He said priority should be given for medicinal plants too.
Citing development of greenery in desert areas, the CM said Vruksha mitra awards will be presented to encourage plantation programme. He said priority would be given to those officials who excels in plantation programme while giving promotions and transfers. The students will be encouraged with awarding five marks for participating in plantation programme. He said voluntary organisations and corporate sector should come forward to distribute tree guards to save the plants.
He said 1500 metric tonnes of seeds will be planted in forest region with the help of Dwcra groups. He said that by digging 60,000 farm ponds, the ground water levels increased in the state and government is planning to dig 6 lakh farm ponds.
Asking the students to take part in Vanam-manam programme in a big number, the Chief Minister said that nurseries would be developed in educational institutions. He said saplings will be planted in temples.
The Chief Minister appealed to people to love and protect nature by raising plants. He said all sections of people should come forward to raise plants to increase the green cover in the state from the present 26 per cent to 50 per cent by 2029. He asked people to plant and gift saplings on important occasions including birthdays. He said everyone should observe Vana deeksha to develop greenery in the state.
The CM released a logo of Vanam-Manam, a book on bio diversity of Seshachalam forest and special postal cover on Harita Andhra Pradesh mission.
Minister for Agriculture Prathipati Pulla Rao presided over the programme. Eluru MP Maganti Venkateswara Rao, Special chief secretary PV Ramesh, Principle chief conservator of forests SBLMisra, collector Babu A and others participated. (NSS)