Mumbai: The Van Mahotsav is being organised in the state from 15th June to 30th September with the aim of making and nurturing tree plantation and encouraging public events and convincing the people on the importance of afforestation.
This year also, a Van Mahotsav has been organized in the state during this period. The forest department will provide saplings to the people at a discounted rate. During this Mahotsav, a 9-month-old sapling will cost only Rs 10, while an 18-month-old seedling in a big bag will be made available for sale at Rs 40 each.
In order to continue the ongoing tree plantatiob programme in the state, a large scale tree plantation will be undertaken on privately owned fallow lands and farm embankments, on both sides of railway tracks, on both sides of canals as well as on roadsides, in collective fallow areas and in grass land areas.
Also, the Forest Department has decided to supply saplings at a discounted rate during the festival to make saplings available to the general farmers and tree lovers at reasonable prices.
The planting of trees during the festival serves various purposes like providing alternative fuel, increase production of food resources, helps create shelter-belts around fields to increase productivity, provide food for cattle, offers shade and decorative landscapes, helps conserves soil deterioration, etc.
The festival educates the awareness of trees among people and portrays the need of planting and tending of trees, as trees are one of the best ways to prevent global warming and reduce pollution.
Seedlings at discounted rates
Normallly a 9-month old seedlings (small bag) is sold at Rs 21 and an 18 months old sapling (big bag) is available for sale at Rs. 73. But during this festival, a 9-month-old plant will cost only Rs 10 and an 18-month-old seedling will be made available for sale at Rs 40.
Appeal for large-scale participation
During the monsoon season from 15th June to 30th September, all government agencies and establishments as well as semi-government agencies and people will participate in the tree planting programme.
The government agencies which want to plant trees will be provided free supply of saplings if there is no provision for planting. For this, they should request the required seedlings in advance, by letter to the nearest Deputy Forest Conservator or Divisional Forest Officer, Social Forestry Department.
The Forest Department has appealed to the general public, farmers, students and nature lovers to take advantage of this scheme and contribute to the creation of a Green Maharashtra on a large scale in non-forest areas.
