Reliance Foundation participates in the Govt. of Maharashtra initiative to increase the forest cover in the state by planting 50,000 trees in Yavatmal, Parbhani and Raigarh districts
In a bid to increase the forest cover in Maharashtra, Reliance Foundation has committed to plant 50,000 trees in Yavatmal, Parbhani and Raigarh districts of the state, as a part of the government’s ‘Vanamahotsav’ initiative -- to plant 2 crore trees on July 1.
“Vanamahotsav 2016-17”, envisioned by Mr Sudhir Mungantiwar, Minister of Finance & Planning, Forests, Govt. of Maharashtra, is based on a well-thought-out plan to carry-out extensive tree plantation in the state during the Vanamahotsav festival; celebrated in the first week of July every year. Reliance Foundation has been actively engaged in developmental activities in Yavatmal and Parbhani and Raigarh district, where the plantation drive is to take place.
“Maharashtra is one of the most progressive and leading states of the country. Out of 307 lakh hectares of total area in the state, around 20 per cent (61.35 lakh hectares) is covered by forests, while as per the National Forest Act, 1988, 33 per cent area should have green cover,” stated the Government Resolution (GR) issued by the revenue and forest department. Total of 2 crore trees were aimed to get planted during the drive.
Responding to the request of participation in this drive, Reliance Foundation’s team has started planting 50,000 trees of different species on July 1. This drive is a step towards ensuring 33% forest cover in the state. This tree plantation initiative will compensate the damage done to the environment, thus maintaining the ecological balance. Saplings of local varieties such as Mango, Banyan, Portia, Jackfruit, Neem, Rain tree and Gulmohar, which provide a lot of shade, are being planted.
Reliance Foundation supports biodiversity conservation and on-farm plantation of trees. The team has till date planted more than 23 lakhs saplings in farms on common lands, and around its manufacturing plant sites in Maharashtra.
