The Rohtak district administration has set an ambitious target of planting 3,48,692 saplings over 185 hectares during the upcoming monsoon season. This initiative aims to enhance ecological balance and increase green cover across the district.
Breakdown of Plantation Target
Of the total target, nearly 1,98,692 saplings will be planted by the Forest Department under afforestation, agro-forestry, and compensatory plantation schemes. Another 1.5 lakh saplings will be distributed among citizens, schools, institutions, and social organisations to encourage community participation, according to a district official.
Review of Preparations
Deputy Commissioner Sachin Gupta, along with Deputy Conservator of Forests Sunder Singh Sambharia, inspected the Forest Department nursery at Meham on Wednesday to review preparations for the campaign. The DC directed officials to ensure quality plantation and proper maintenance of saplings for better survival rates.
Nursery Stock Details
According to district officials, around 87,840 saplings have been raised at the Meham nursery. Additional nurseries include: Herbal Park Nursery (over 31,000 saplings), Lakhan Majra Nursery (43,000), Sunaria Nursery (78,000), Sanghi Nursery (39,000), Sampla Nursery (21,000), and Bohar Nursery (over 30,000).
Mass Movement Approach
Emphasising the importance of expanding green cover, Gupta said plantation should be transformed into a mass movement through active public participation. The campaign will be undertaken under the banner of “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam: Jan Bhagidari se Harit Rohtak Abhiyan”, aligned with the Government of India’s flagship initiative “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” and the vision of Mission LiFE.
Miyawaki Forest Highlights
“A major highlight of the campaign will be the development of a dense Miyawaki forest comprising around 70,000 saplings at Jalebi Chowk in coordination with the National Highways Authority of India. Another Miyawaki plantation of nearly 10,000 saplings will be developed along the Rohtak-Gohana Road near Makroli Toll Plaza,” Gupta pointed out.
Identified Plantation Locations
Noting that Rohtak falls within the National Capital Region, the DC stressed the need for large-scale plantation along roads, drains, urban green belts, and vacant public lands. Identified locations include the Rohtak South Bypass, Rohtak-Gohana Road, Gohana Bypass, Drain No 8, Chandi Distributary Road, HSVP and HSIIDC green belts, PTC Sunaria, educational institutions, and other public spaces.
Focus on Native Species
The campaign will focus on native species such as Neem, Peepal, Banyan, Jamun, Arjun, Kachnar, Amaltas, and Kadamb to strengthen biodiversity and ensure long-term ecological sustainability.
Community Distribution Programmes
Besides departmental plantations, 50,000 saplings will be distributed under the Paudhgiri Programme for schools, the Jan Sahbhagita Abhiyan, and free distribution schemes, encouraging residents to plant and nurture trees in the name of their mothers.
