In a significant push to enhance the state's green cover, the Haryana Forest Department has sanctioned a substantial budget for new afforestation initiatives centered around plant nurseries. The move signals a focused approach to environmental conservation and urban greening.
Financial Sanction for Green Projects
The department has officially approved a financial outlay of Rs 1.5 crore dedicated specifically to nursery-based afforestation projects. This funding is earmarked for the development and nurturing of saplings that will form the backbone of future plantation drives across the state. The approval was granted during a recent high-level meeting chaired by the state's Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF).
This strategic investment underscores the government's commitment to a sustainable model of afforestation. By strengthening the nursery infrastructure first, the department aims to ensure a consistent and high-quality supply of saplings for large-scale planting operations.
Large-Scale Sapling Production Target
A core component of the approved plan involves the massive production of saplings. The Forest Department has set an ambitious target to cultivate 1.5 lakh (150,000) saplings through these newly funded nursery projects. These plants are destined for various plantation sites, contributing directly to the increase of Haryana's forest and tree cover.
The selection of species for these nurseries will likely focus on native and climate-resilient varieties suitable for the region's ecology. This ecological consideration is crucial for ensuring high survival rates and long-term environmental benefits from the afforestation efforts.
Strategic Focus on Nursery Development
The decision to channel funds into nursery-centric projects represents a shift towards strengthening the foundational stage of the afforestation chain. Healthy, well-developed saplings from robust nurseries have a significantly higher chance of survival once transplanted into their permanent locations.
This approach addresses a common challenge in large-scale planting drives: the mortality of young plants due to poor root development or inadequate early care. By investing in the nursery stage, the Haryana Forest Department is building a more reliable and effective system for ecological restoration and urban greening.
The approved projects are expected to create employment opportunities in the nursery and plantation sectors, linking environmental goals with rural livelihood generation. The initiative aligns with broader national and state-level objectives to combat climate change, improve air quality, and restore degraded land through strategic forestry.
