Vinit Wahi
Continuing with its resolve to make Maharashtra a Green State, and to attain the target of forest cover of 33% of its total land area, the State Government has embarked on an ambitious mega tree plantation campaign where it recently attained its target of planting 13 crore trees and registering it in the Limca Book of World Records for the month of July.
Ever since the mission started in 2016, with the state government planting 2.82 crore seedlings, the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi took its cognizance in ‘Mann ki Baat’ on 31st July, 2016. He also made a mention about Shri Mehtre from Narayangaon of Pune District distributing Mango plants on his daughter’s wedding ceremony as a return gift to all his guests.
The proposal to launch Grand Campaign of 13 Crore Tree Plantation Programme started from 1st July, 2018 at ‘Varap village’ of Kalyan Taluka in Thane District. The 13 crore tree plantation drive was successfully implemented by a record plantation of 15 crore, 88 lakh, 71 thousand and 352 trees till 31st July, 2018. It was much more than targeted.
A Mobile App, “My Plant” has been started where in Individuals, Private organizations, NGOs, Social, Spiritual, Volunteers and SHGs can participate and download this App. A dedicated website, www.greenarmy.mahaforest.gov.in has been launched for the same purpose, in which people from all walks of life can register themselves.