GHMC to distribute saplings to devotees

Hyderabad: ‘Haritha Haram’ saplings are to be distributed to people on a large scale in temples in Greater Hyderabad limits where Bonalu is being celebrated. This decision has been taken by GHMC in view of its target of achieving plantation of 40 lakh saplings this year. The saplings to be distributed are mostly those grown in backyards of houses. They include tulasi, fruit varieties and those preventing mosquitoes, according to orders issued by the GHMC bio-diversity officials to commissioner Dr B Janardhan Reddy.

The orders stated that steps should be taken by the civic body to take up distribution of saplings during the Bonalu festival, as a large number of devotees visit the shrines. The officials also directed that saplings should be planted in vacant places of temples, with the cooperation of the management committees, Dr Reddy has suggested. Meanwhile, Mayor Bonthu Rammohan stated that presentation of bouquets should be banned in GHMC limits so as to give a boost to the Haritha Haram scheme.

He had recently refused to accept bouquets at a function, stating that saplings should be presented to VIPs. In this regard he stressed that GHMC should inspire other organisations/bodies. Following his stand, Dr Reddy has issued orders that saplings should be presented to VIPs attending events/functions. Thus, the corporation has become an example for others in not presenting bouquets.

In another development, GHMC has invited volunteers to participate in the Haritha Haram, so as to turn Hyderabad into Haritha Hyderabad, by registering their names online on the website Greenhyderabad.cgg.gov. which lists complete details of the government’s green scheme. Dr Reddy stressed that corporate should provide tree guards to protect saplings on streets/roadsides as part of their social responsibility. The lists of such corporate/industries/business houses which provide tree guards has been listed in the website.