Rajasthan Government Implements Strict Monitoring for Planted Saplings
The Rajasthan government has issued a directive requiring geo-tagging and photographic updates every four months for all saplings planted under the Hariyalo Rajasthan mission. This move aims to ensure the survival and healthy growth of the plants, addressing concerns about implementation and long-term sustainability.
Background and Previous Achievements
This directive follows last year's ambitious tree plantation drive, which saw over 11 crore saplings planted across the state, surpassing the initial target of 10 crore. The education department played a leading role in this campaign, contributing more than 4.15 crore saplings to the total count.
New Monitoring Protocol
To streamline oversight and accountability, the government has established a detailed monitoring framework. The director of secondary education has instructed all joint commissioners to appoint a dedicated tree plantation in-charge. This official will collaborate with Vanmitras (forest friends) to ensure each sapling is properly tracked against set targets.
The monitoring process includes:
- Geo-tagging of every planted sapling
- Quarterly photographic updates uploaded to the Hariyalo Rajasthan app
- Continuous care and maintenance through public participation, NGOs, and volunteers
- Replacement of any dead saplings
An official order stated, "Every four months, the respective plantation in-charge will upload photos tracking the well-being and growth of each tree on the Hariyalo Rajasthan app." The government has committed to maintaining this monitoring until the plants mature into full-grown trees.
Implementation Challenges and Teacher Concerns
Despite the comprehensive plan, government school teachers have raised significant concerns about implementation gaps. Teachers report that no formal appointments of plantation in-charges or Vanmitras have been made since the mission's first phase in 2024.
Vipin Prakash Sharma, state president of the Rajasthan Primary and Secondary Education Teachers Association, highlighted the additional burden on educators. "No special appointments were made; instead, teachers were told they would get incentives in promotions or transfers for monitoring plants. Now, with geo-tagging every four months and compliance reports, the burden has only increased," Sharma explained.
Teachers argue that these responsibilities add to their non-academic workload without adequate support or resources.
Sustainability and Funding Mechanisms
The government has emphasized that plantations must be sustained for at least three years through existing schemes. The maintenance will be supported under MNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) or various departmental schemes, ensuring financial and logistical backing for the long-term care of the saplings.
This approach aims to create a sustainable model where environmental goals are integrated with employment generation and departmental resources.
