Goa to plant 10 lakh saplings in 90-day green drive

Panaji: Chief minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday announced the launch of the 90-day Green Goa, Clean Goa campaign from June 5 to Sept 5, during which 10 lakh saplings will be planted across the state.

Sawant said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged citizens to plant a tree under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative. He said Goa has around 11 lakh voters and appealed to each voter to plant a tree.

“We will provide plants and land for plantation. The voter should take care of that plant. The programme will be launched on Thursday. We have first targeted the national highway stretch from Patradevi to Pollem. I will plant the first sapling, and the main programme will be held in Panaji,” Sawant said.

He said traditional species such as jamun and banyan will be planted as part of the drive to make Goa greener. The PWD, forest and agriculture departments will distribute saplings to schools and other institutions.

Sawant urged panchayats, municipalities and zilla panchayats to identify vacant land and open spaces along roadsides for plantation. He said govt will also dig pits and maintain the saplings.

Noting that many trees have disappeared from the state over the years, Sawant said the same native species would be planted along highways.

“We all speak about climate change, and this is an opportunity to contribute towards making Goa green and clean,” Sawant said.