Hyderabad: The government has approved 2,925 nurseries for handing out saplings for Haritha Haram. Each district will have a set number of nurseries, which are listed on the Haritha Haram website.
“We have created a nursery directory for each district in which there are the number of nurseries, residents and types of trees that are allocated to each district,” says a senior forest official. Species such as neem and bamboo are being promoted as they have a survival rate of more than 80 per cent.
“Plants like Gulmohar are also being given out. However, as they are exotic plants, they might not respond to every climate condition. A lot of companies took part in the last phase. BHEL at Lingampally and Lahari Resort in Medak planted one lakh saplings each in their surroundings, which has been an inspiration for many other companies to approach us this time. Hopefully, we can create an environment-friendly corporate culture through Haritha Haram,” says Sudhakar Reddy, assistant conservator of forests. The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation has been given one crore plants, out of which it will plant 5.81 lakh plants in open spaces, parks, vertical gardens and near lakes.
Some environmentalists have alleged that that sub-standard seeds were used in the previous phases. Authorities, deny the allegation. “We have bought up to 26 lakh grafted seedlings from our horticulture department and can vouch for their quality. A lot of factors go into a plantation drive. You cannot expect success when weather conditions are not favourable. Also, residents should actively take part in the drive and collect plants,” said a senior forest official.
He added that careful thought has gone into selecting the species of seeds and saplings to be planted.
