Date:17/05/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/05/17/stories/2008051757740200.htm

Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

Two lakh saplings to be planted

Staff Reporter

Kudumbasree’s State-wide campaign today

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Activists of the Kudumbasree Mission will plant two lakh saplings of fruit-bearing trees across the State on May 17 to mark the tenth anniversary celebrations of the Kudumbasree movement.

A Kudumbashree spokesperson said in Thiruvananthapuram that the planting would be carried out by the neighbourhood groups, the area development societies and community development societies of the movement.

Only fruit-bearing trees would be planted and this is in keeping with the Kudumbashree’s declared aim of achieving self-reliance in production of fruits and vegetables.

Moreover the saplings would be planted in public spaces and not on private premises.

Awards

“We would give awards for groups that plant the most saplings and care for them the most.

These would be given next year,” the spokesperson added.

The inauguration of the sapling planting drive was carried out by Forest Minister Benoy Viswom at the offices of the Thiruvananthapuram District Panchayat on Friday.

Poet Sugathakumari was also present on the occasion.

The tenth anniversary celebrations would be inaugurated in Kozhikode on May 20.