Van Mahotsav: Odisha to Take up Plantation Drive in Campaign Mode in All Schools

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Government has planned to take up a plantation drive in campaign mode at all schools during the ensuing Van Mahotsav, scheduled to be celebrated from July 1 to July 7 across the State.
The decision has been taken at a review meeting on plantation drive under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mahapatra.

The government has urged all district Collectors to carry out the plantation drive in all schools under the School and Mass Education Department.

“As School and Mass Education Department has majority presence in the state, all Collectors are directed to take necessary measures to ensure that all the schools have Green Coverage within a stipulated period”, according to letter issued by the Mass Education Department.

Plantation activities can be taken up in all schools having boundary walls. Trees of forest species and fruit bearing varieties which can have growth in that particular area and suitable to local condition of the schools must be planted inside the campus.

It is learnt that 22 districts were holding District Level Plantation Committee Meeting and in the meantime eight other districts might have completed the same. District Education Officers (DEOs) should attend such meeting. DEOs are advised to give requisition about the requirement of both forest and fruit bearing species to respective Collector’s offices. Collectors should take steps to see that both forest and horticulture department provide the same as per their requirement, the letter reads.
PR & DW Department has agreed to provide funds for maintenance of these plants for four years from NREGA fund.

Private Schools may also be encouraged for such plantation drive and DEOs are advised to take up the matter with them, it further stated.