Fourth phase of Haritha Haram to begin from July 15

Chief Secretary SK Joshi yesterday directed the District Collectors to prepare for fourth phase of Haritha Haram and land acquisition process for national highways by this month end and begin the program from July 15.

The Chief Secretary conducted a video conference at the Secretariat here yesterday and instructed the Collectors to make coordinated efforts for better results by starting green drive in July second week with top priority. Training classes will be conducted at district and mandal levels for the conduct of the prestigious program for expansion of greenery by avoiding any sort of negligence. Compile data with information for saplings plantation, digging of pits and reaching the target of planting 39 crore of saplings, he directed the Collectors.

The CS said some of the districts lagging behind in the green drive should come up



with double efforts and involve students of schools as representatives from each household as per plan. Training will be given on June 25 and 28 and district administrations have to take care of protecting the saplings planted as part of the program.

The government wants the program a success by active involvement of officials, staff and local leaders, Joshi said. To avoid the monkeys menace, the Collectors should ensure that five to six lakh saplings of fruits variety have to be planted in the forest areas, he said. He also asked them to take a special task of planting two crore toddy saplings as against 1.70 crore planted last year and provide drip irrigation facility through Horticulture department. The CS asked the Collectors to take special care to acquire land on national highways for the purpose.