'1.87 lakh tree saplings planted across district under 'Wake Up Ludhiana' campaign': Deputy Commissioner Sawhney

JAGRAON: With an aim to spread greenery, the district administration planted 1.87 lakh tree saplings under the 'Wake Up Ludhiana' campaign in different parts of the district on Friday. The "massive" plantation drive was kick-started by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Sakshi Sawhney from village Galib Kalan in Jagraon.

Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Anmol Singh Dhaliwal, Assistant Commissioner Kritika Goyal, District Development and Panchayat Officer Navdeep Kaur among others also accompanied DC Sawhney during the plantation drive.

DC Sawhney stated that over 30,000 tree saplings have been planted on 10 acres of vacant land in village of Galib Kalan and this land would be developed as a nature retreat. Picnic spot, library, mini forest, parking area etc would be developed at the site. A cycle track would also be developed around the mini forest. Water recharge ponds would be also be developed at the site and this site would give an impression of a natural forest. This work would be done by the Department of Rural Development and Panchayat under MGNREGA scheme.

Sawhney further stated that the residents would be able to visit the site as picnic spot or for eco-tourism retreat. She further stated that this massive plantation drive is part of 'Wake Up Ludhiana' Campaign wherein different departments including the Municipal Corporation, Forest department, Municipal Councils etc have been involved and targets have been fixed for planting saplings.

He further stated that this campaign is a major initiative to promote greenery across the district. It is the need of the hour to plant more trees and steps are also being taken for the same. She also stressed upon the maintenance and upkeep of the plants.

DC Sawhney further stated that this campaign is in line with the commitment of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann for spreading greenery and sustainable development. She said that trees/greenery and clean environment is a need and we all should work towards the same.

DC Sawhney also congratulated the residents who participated in the plantation drives across the district.
As per an official statement, The villagers in village Galib Kalan also appreciated state government and district administration for planting over 30,000 plants with an aim to develop a mini forest in 10 acres of the village land.