To increase the green cover in the State, the Forest department is keen on reviving eco-battalion concept for large scale tree plantation, Mr. Mungantiwar said.

Retired Army personnel

“Retired Army personnel will be roped-in under the eco-battalion (concept) and will be asked to plant, protect and grow the plants. The battalion will utilise the funds meant for afforestation across the State,” he said.

The discussions to this effect were held during a meeting on Saturday in Aurangabad where all senior officers from the Forest department participated. The day-long meeting primarily discussed about improving forest cover in the state.

“The districts like Osmanabad, Beed, Parbhani and Latur have large stretches of barren land, which is technically with forest department but there is no green cover. The eco-battalion will be given these districts in the first phase for improvement of green cover,” he said.