Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh government will implement the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 3.0’ plantation campaign in mission mode, with nearly 11 lakh saplings set to be planted across 16,998 schools by September 30.
The roadmap for the campaign was finalised during a state-level video conference chaired by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (HoFF) Sanjay Sood at the Forest Department headquarters in Shimla. Senior officials from the Forest and Education Departments participated in the meeting.
Samagra Shiksha Director Rajesh Sharma said the campaign was aimed at making environmental conservation a people’s movement rather than limiting it to plantation drives. He directed district education officials to ensure active participation of students, teachers and local communities.
Sood instructed forest officers to work in close coordination with the Education Department and ensure timely supply of saplings to schools. He said forest land would also be made available for plantation wherever required.
Officials said the Forest Department would provide around 11 lakh saplings to schools across the state, while Van Mitras would help create awareness among students about environmental conservation and sustainable development.
The campaign, which began on World Environment Day on June 5, will continue till September 30. A district-level monitoring committee headed by the Conservator of Forests (CF), with officials from the Education and Forest Departments, will oversee coordination, implementation and progress of the drive.
