Taking the ‘Haritha Keralam’ project one step forward, the Forest Department has come up with an innovative initiative to increase the green cover of the state.
‘Green Partners’ programme, a collaborative partnership with the Kerala State Biodiversity Board and Department of Environment and Climate Change, has the Forest Department joining hands with major establishments like Southern Railways, Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, NCC and Student Police Cadets.
As part of the mega project, the Railways will plant 1.2 lakh seedlings.
“The Railways will plant seedlings given by the Forest Department in its land and 10 railway divisions. The planting initiative is being carried out by the CRPF, NCC, NSS and ex-servicemen. The Railways will plant 1,20,000 seedlings. Of these, 1,00,000 will be planted by NCC cadets while the remaining 20,000 by the CRPF. The NCC cadets will plant them during Saturdays at railway divisions with support from Social Forestry,” said B S Corrie, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests.
At district level, Social Forestry ACF will liaise with the NCC units. Also awareness programmes will be conducted at NCC camps in partnership with the KSBB and the Environment Department.
In addition to the Railways, the Forest Department will join hands with Student Police Cadets.
As part of the project, 1 lakh saplings will be planted.
“We are also conducting partnership projects with Indian Army, Indian Navy and the Air Force. Seedlings are being given to the Army to be planted on their campus. In addition, the Social Forestry Wing will conduct awareness programmes on waste management, energy conservation, biodiversity conservation, forests and environment. As part of its partnership with the Indian Navy and Air Force, seedlings are being given to the Naval and Air Commands too,” officials pointed out.
There are initiatives focusing on the IT sector also.
To tap the potential in this sector, the department has tied up with the Info Park and Techno Park.
In addition to planting of seedlings in their campus, IT companies also encourage their employees to plant seedlings in their homes.
Also programmes related to waste management and energy conservation are introduced where employees of various companies are encouraged to adopt environmental-friendly lifestyle. The best performing company will be awarded.
