The programme seems to have design based on inputs solely by forest official
Telangana Cultural Department chairman Rasamai Balakishan, collector Neethu Kumari Prasad and other leaders participate in a programme organised to create awareness on Haritha Haram at Thimmapur mandal on Saturday. (Photo: DC)
Karimnagar: The ambitious Telangana ku Haritha Haram programme, aimed at enhancing the green cover of the state, is not being guided by scientists and botanists, according to professors of botany.
In order to achieve the objectives of the programme, a special branch of botanists is to be set up in forest department, opined senior faculty members. “The Haritha Haram programme is a laudable one. However, it may not be able to reach its goals, if scientific methodology and guidance of botanists are not followed in implementing it,” felt Dr E. Narasimha Murthy, assistant professor at department of botany in Shatahavahana University. Mr Murthy further opined that there is an urgent need to set up a special branch in forest department in each district. The special branch should have botanists, who function under a senior forest officer, to look after long standing conservation of Haritha Haram programme and its activities.
In the meantime, retired botany professor Dr G. Narender Babu observed that the government should have formed a committee to study nature of soil and rainfall of each district for systematic implementation of the massive plantation programme. The programme seems to have design based on inputs solely by forest officials, who have limited expertise about trees unlike botanists.
Mr Narender Babu too opined that guidance of soil scientists, botanists and environmental experts would play an instrumental role in success of the programme.
“Selection of plant varieties and place of sowing was decided by forest officials. Authorities concerned should consult botanists and geologists to improve vegetation of a locality,” he added.
( Source : deccan chronicle )
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