Our Correspondent / New Delhi
Lok Sabha Speaker Mr Om Birla launched a ‘Tree Plantation Programme’ in the lawns of Parliament Library Building on Friday. On this occasion, Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi and Lok Sabha Speaker Mr Om Birla each planted a sapling of the Rudraksha tree. Union Minister of Home Affairs Mr Amit Shah, Union Minister of Defence Mr Rajnath Singh, several other Union Ministers, Deputy Chairman Rajya Sabha Mr Harivansh and Members of Parliament were also present at the programme.
Speaking to the media, Mr Birla said that with the launch of this initiative of tree plantation in Parliament, concerted efforts should be made to make every part of the country clean and green. Mr Birla further observed that there is no substitute to tree plantation, in our endeavour of making the environment clean. Mr Birla urged each Member of Parliament of Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha to individually plant a tree so that the message of tree plantation reaches every village and town of the country.
Later, Leaders of Parties in Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha also planted the saplings of Rudraksha tree and Crape Myrtle tree at the earmarked places.
The Rudraksha tree, when fully grown, is about 50-200 feet high, having a cylindrical trunk. While the leafy crown of the tree takes a pyramidical shape, its flowers are white with fringed petals. The Crape Myrtle tree is chiefly known for its colourful and long-lasting flowers. Most species have sinewy, fluted stems and branches with a mottled appearance.
As part of this Programme, arrangements have also been made for planting of saplings by the Members of the Parliament individually at Rajpath lawns behind Udyog Bhawan and Nirman Bhawan adjoining Rafi Marg.