Forest Minister Shri Sartaj Singh inaugurates Van Mahotsav 2013

2000 saplings planted in one day

Marching steps of development have caused a lot of damage to forests and environment throughout the world. This challenge can be tackled only through plantation of maximum number of saplings. This was stated by Forest Minister Shri Sartaj Singh while inaugurating Van Mahotsav 2013 here today. During Van Mahotsav, 2000 saplings have been planted in 14 hectare area of Sports Authority of India here including banyan tree, neem, peepal, aonla, Khamer and fruit-bearing trees.

Forest Minister Sartaj Singh

The Forest Minister said that plantation has a number of benefits. Problems like global warming can be tackled only through plantation, which is also helpful in checking soil erosion, environmental conservation and augmentation as well as financial benefits. The Forest Minister informed that over 55 lakh saplings were planted during a single day at Shahdol division’s 3 districts Anuppur, Shahdol and Umaria recently, which is a world record.

Mayor Smt. Krishna Gaur said that Bhopal is counted among most green cities in the country. Plantation of maximum number of saplings and public participation is required to make Bhopal most beautiful city of the country. Madhya Pradesh Forest Development Corporation Chairman Shri Guru Prasad Sharma urged people to extend maximum cooperation in sapling plantation and maintaining balance between forests and environment.

The Forest Minister also administered a pledge to people and students present on the occasion to plant minimum 10 saplings. Trainees of Sports Authority of India also planted saplings with enthusiasm on the occasion. Attractive performances were given by international and national awardee and Guinness Book of World Record recognised wushu players.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Shri R.S. Negi, officers of Sports Authority of India and Forest Department, citizens and public representatives also planted saplings on the occasion.