Visakhapatnam: “We are going to take up the Vanam-Manam programme in a big way and plant one crore saplings across the state from July 28 to transform Andhra Pradesh into ‘Harithandhra Pradesh’ (Green Andhra Pradesh), said principal secretary environment and forest, Dr P. V. Ramesh.
On Monday, Dr Ramesh conducted a video conference with collectors of all districts. Mr Ramesh directed the district collectors to take measures to plant at least 10 lakh saplings in each district.
“A systematic micro-planning is needed to achieve the massive plantation goals. Conducting a series of competitions for students would help instil eco-friendly values in them. Saplings should also be planted for bio-fencings at the educational institutions. Ensuring that the saplings are watered and that they grow is the main thing. Funds for this massive plantation drive would be drawn from NREGS,” Dr Ramesh added.
Joint Collector J. Nivas informed that they are ready with 17 lakh saplings to plant. Principal chief conservator Prateep Kumar, joint collector-2 D. Venkata Reddy were present.
