Haritha Haram to expand green cover in TS: Minister

• Plan aims at increasing the green cover to 33 per cent of the total geographical area
• Proposal to plant 230 crore seedlings across the state
• On an average 40 lakh seedlings will be planted in each Assembly constituency
• Govt so far released Rs 155 crore for the programme

Hyderabad: Telangana State Forest Minister Jogu Ramanna said that the State Government has initiated a flagship programme 'Telangana Haritha Haram' for taking up massive afforestation activities to increase the green cover of the State to the desired level of 33 per cent of the total geographical area.

Replying to a question raised by MLA E Ravinder Reddy and others during Question Hour in Legislative Assembly on Saturday, the Minister said that it is proposed to plant 230 crore seedlings under Haritha Haram programme including 100 crore seedlings in forest areas, 120 crore in non-forest area and 10 crore in HMDA/GHMC areas.

On an average 40 lakh seedlings will be planted in each Assembly constituency. Inside forest areas, apart from planting tall seedlings in open areas, viable root stock would be improved and rejuvenated through suitable silvicultural and soil and moisture conservation measures. In non-forest areas, various government agencies like DWMA, Agriculture, Horticulture, Sericulture, Tribal Welfare, Forest Department, etc., would be involved in planting.

For the current year, 3922 nurseries have been identified to raise 41 crore seedlings for 2015 planting season. The government has earmarked Rs 300 crore in the budget under Afforestation Fund for development of forests in the State. Further, the MGNREGS funds are also being utilised for Telangana involving Project Director, DWMAs in the districts and under overall monitoring of District Collector.

The State Government has so far released Rs 155 crore for this programme, he said.