• 65,000 saplings to be planted • Forest Department envisages theme-based greenery • Exclusive allocation in MCC budget

Mysore, May 21 (KCU&KK)- The Mysore City Corporation (MCC) has joined hands with the Forest Department in a drive to turn the entire city green.

They together have embarked upon the constructive idea of planting about 65,000 saplings throughout the city.

Sans any fanfare, about 1,000 saplings have been already planted in Vijayanagar and another 600 in Dattagalli to set the ball rolling.

MLC Sandesh Nagaraj formally launched the 'Go Green' drive today by planting a sapling in front of the residence of Mayor Sandesh Swamy in Ittigegud here. He also announced to contribute from the MLC Fund for the worthy cause.

He was joined by Sandesh Swamy, Corporators and local residents (predominantly homemakers) who voluntered to plant the saplings.

More allocation

Speaking on the occasion, Sandesh Swamy pointed out that MCC had allocated Rs. 28 lakh for afforestation in city during the last budget and saplings purchased then were being planted now. This year, the allocation will be increased further with more constructive schemes, the Mayor assured.

DCF Sashwathi Mishra, who was present, sought better participation from the residents.

"Planting the sapling, providing a tree guard and watering would be done by the Forest Department. However, the residents should also evince interest in the scheme and see that the saplings are not consumed by stray cattle or destroyed. To have good accountability, a committee will be constituted comprising Forest officers and environmentalists to offer suggestions to improvise the scheme. Funds are expected to flow in from MUDA too", she said.

The DCF told SOM, on the cards was a theme-based greenery: "There should be innovation in the scheme. For example, only neem saplings can be planted beside a stretch of road for a specific benefit. Even parks can be made theme-based with calculated planting of selected saplings at specific areas of the park giving characteristic names".

Courtesy : Star Of Mysore