Date:02/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/02/stories/2008100252590300.htm

Tamil Nadu

One crore saplings to improve green cover in Salem

Staff Reporter

Over 30,000 already planted in the district
On October 2, two lakh saplings will be planted on government lands

NAMAKKAL: The Namakkal district administration would plant two lakh saplings on October 2 as a part of its plan to improve green cover in the district.

As a part of the plan, the administration had decided to plant a total of one crore saplings in various parts of the district.

Apart from improving the green cover, the initiative was aimed at increasing the awareness among people on environmental protection and conservation.

About 30,000 saplings were already planted in the district during the birth centenary of former Chief Minister Anna, Collector U. Sagayam said in a press release.

On October 2, two lakh saplings would be planted on the government lands in the rural areas.

The exercise would be carried out with the participation of general public, members of self-help groups, employees of local bodies and elected representatives. Students would also be involved in it.

The Collector said that the administration would reach the target of one crore saplings in a phased manner, the press release said.