Nagpur: The Nagpur district administration has decided to plant 12.13 lakh saplings on July 1 under the 'Green Maharashtra' mission. Of these, over 10.03 lakh saplings will be planted by the three wings of the forest department while other institutions will plant 2.10 lakh .

Talking to newsmen on Tuesday, Kishor Mishrikotkar, deputy director of social forestry and member-secretary of the district level committee headed by collector, said at least 12,000 volunteers belonging to NGOs, NSS, students, police department, CRPF will be roped in to take up the plantation. "We have kept 2.50 lakh saplings ready in our nurseries for distribution at a nominal price of Rs6-7. There will complete transparency about the daylong drive and data of plantation will be loaded every two hours," said Mishrikotkar.

The entire drive on one single day will need at least 65,000 people to plant 12.13 lakh saplings. Even if 12,000 volunteers render their services, another 50,000 labourers will be needed. "It is for this reason we have decided to take up maximum plantations under NREGA. More number of trees are expected to be planted considering the proposals we are receiving," said Mishrikotkar.

Though 2,000 coordinators will monitor these plantations, only time will tell how far these plantations will be protected, considering the problem of illicit felling and grazing.

Manisha Jaybhaye, deputy director of EGS, said, "We are going to launch a drive by distributing saplings to people at traffic signals to motivate them. It is everybody's responsibility to plant trees and save them."

In the city, garden superintendent Sudhir Mate said NMC will plant 3,200 saplings on forest land near Ambazari and its backwaters, followed by sites near Sonegaonlake and Pandhrabodi lake.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why two crore plantations?

We have lost huge forest cover due to land diversion owing to population explosion and projects. As per policy, 33% area needs to be under forest. It is less than 20% currently. Less green cover means drought, water problem and climate change issues.

What is the role of the forest dept?

Forest department will plant 1.5 crore saplings. This will be part of the quota of 4 cr saplings the department's three wings — social forestry, FDCM and territorial — undertake every year.

Where will the saplings come from?

The forest department has many nurseries in the district with saplings ready. Saplings will be available for Rs6-7. Those departments that have no funds for the project will be offered free saplings. During Van Mahotsav from July 1, 50% discount will be offered on saplings.

How can CSR be used?

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds can be used to take up large scale plantations and give publicity too.

What about transparency?

Data of plantations will be loaded every two hours on forest department website by forest coordinators appointed in the state. District collector will be chief controlling officer. A special mobile app has also been prepared to count plantations.

What about protection of planted saplings?

Forest department has its own machinery. Others taking up plantations will have to protect their plantations for at least three years. They will have to prepare a plan. Social forestry department will guide agencies on it.

What about selection of tree species?

Don't plant big shadowy trees in residential premises. Trees like pipal, banyan, neem, mango, imli, jamunetc should be planted 10 metres away from the house.