Forest department to launch sapling planting drive on Thursday

Forest department to launch sapling planting drive on Thursday

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, June 17: Deputy Conservator of Forests Vijay Kumar said at a press meet organized in his office on June 16, Wednesday that several trees had to be cut down in Mangalore to construct houses, roads, and drains, owing to which the atmosphere has undergone a change and a distinct rise in temperature can be felt. He stressed on the necessity of planting trees and saplings to maintain normal temperature and to control the damage done to the environment.  

The DCF said that the forest department plans to plant over 20,000 saplings of Mahogany, Devadaru, Hole Dasavala, Badami, Singapore Cherries, Sampige, Cascia, Muthuga, and others to provide shade, timber, flowers, and fruits. Places to plant 6,000 saplings have already been identified. The sapling planting drive will be launched on June 17, Thursday in Padil, he said. He urged citizens to take care of these saplings, which will be distributed free of cost and the planting of which will be done under the supervision of the department. 

The DCF admitted that over 265 trees have been cut down to facilitate PWD projects; however, two saplings will be planted for every tree cut. Tall, medium, and short trees will be planted in areas suitable for their growth such as plains, hills, or valleys, said the DCF. The forest department nurseries have several varieties of saplings, he disclosed.