Kollam: In a novel attempt to engage MNREGA workers in conserving nature, the Kollam District Panchayat has involved them in its greening project, Harithasree 2014. The project envisages planting and protecting almost two lakh saplings in the district in a year.
The responsibility of protecting the saplings will be assigned to those seeking employment under the national rural employment guarantee scheme in different zones.
The Kulathupuzha-Alenchery PWD road will be developed as a model road by planting shady trees on both sides, under the project.
“As part of preserving the Sasthamkotta Lake, saplings will be planted on five acres of land on the banks of the lake by the MNREGA workers and they will maintain the saplings. Bamboo will be planted on the banks of the Kallada and Ithikkara rivers and the public works department (PWD) will plant saplings on roadsides, schools, and other areas. A butterfly park is proposed at Sasthamkotta,” said S. Jayamohan, District Panchayat President.
In another first, various government departments such as education, poverty eradication, Shuchitwa mission etc will be appointed along with the MNREGA workers to maintain the saplings.
