PATNA: The state government has decided to plant more than five crore saplings in the current financial year (2021-22) with an aim to increase Bihar’s green cover to 17% from the existing 15%.
CM Nitish Kumar on Saturday launched the ‘Mission 5.0 Plantation’ by planting a mahogany sapling at his official residence at 1, Anney Marg, here on the World Environment Day.
“State’s environment, forest and climate change department (EFCCD) has fixed a target of planting five crore saplings in the current FY under the Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali Abhiyan to create awareness about environment protection,” a press note issued from the CM’s office said.
Soon after the CM launched the programme, plantation was formally started in all forest divisions across the state.
The rural development department (RDD) also started the plantation drive at various places under the MGNREGS.
Similarly, the women volunteers of Jeevika, different NGOs and paramilitary forces also launched the plantation drive on the occasion.
To meet the demand under the Mission 5.0 Plantation, the EFCCD has prepared more than 5.5 crore saplings in its different nurseries across the state.
A total of 1.24 crore saplings would be planted by the EFCCD under different departmental schemes.
“Two crore saplings would be handed over to the RDD for plantation under the MGNREGS, while another 1.5 crore saplings will be provided to Jeevika.
Around 15 lakh saplings will be sold to common people by the EFCCD.
Another 20 lakh saplings will be planted by different organizations, including the NGOs and paramilitary forces,” the press note said.
Bihar’s total green cover reduced to only 9% in 2000 as almost all forest areas fell in the newly carved Jharkhand after the state’s bifurcation.
To increase the green cover, Nitish had launched ‘Hariyali Mission’ in 2012.
Bihar successfully increased its green cover to 15% by planting around 22 crore saplings since 2012.
Principal secretaries to the CM, Deepak Kumar and Chanchal Kumar, were present on the occasion.