CHANDIGARH: Mr V.P. Singh Badnore, Governor of Punjab and the Administrator, Chandigarh released the Greening Chandigarh Action Plan 2021-22’ prepared by the Department of Forest & Wildlife, Chandigarh, in Punjab Raj Bhavan, here on Thursday.
Plan has envisaged 1, 75, 000 saplings to be planted during 2021-22. The target of plantation assigned to Forest Department is 75, 000 saplings and Horticulture Wing of Engineering Department is 40, 000 saplings and Municipal Corporation is 60, 000 saplings, along with the targets of free distribution of saplings to the general public in the city. The booklet is available on the departments website i.e. http://chandigarhforest.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/GCAP-2021-22.pdf .
On this occasion, the Governor appreciated the work done by the Departments and said that the people of Chandigarh, who were traditionally nature lovers, would whole-heartedly support and participate in the endeavour of the Forest Department in preserving the ecological wealth of the city. He further added that today being World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, is a very appropriate day for release of this Action Plan for the people of Chandigarh. This Day particularly focuses on turning degraded land into healthy land. Restoring degraded land brings economic resilience and increases food security. It helps the biodiversity to recover.
Mr Manoj Parida, IAS, Adviser to the Administrator, Chandigarh added that in recent years, the global warming showing its adverse effects on us, due to this the importance of trees has been understood and acknowledged manifold. With the invaluable contribution of nature loving residents of Chandigarh and other stakeholders, the Chandigarh has been able to maintain the balance between the nature and the technological advancements.
Mr Arun Kumar Gupta, IAS, Principal Secretary (Forests), Chandigarh added that the forests are the source of wellbeing and recreation. In Chandigarh, a forest conserves a variety of flora and fauna, which forms a rich biodiversity and plays a vital role in the environmental stability.
Mr Debendra Dalai, IFS, CCF, Chandigarh informed that the City Beautiful Chandigarh boasts to have preserved 46% of its geographical area under forest and green cover. To further increase green cover in UT Chandigarh, Greening Chandigarh Action Plan 2021-22 was prepared for implementation by all the greening agencies. He further informed that todays day offers a chance to recognize that land degradation neutrality is achievable through strong community involvement and co-operation at all levels. It helps in reducing the impact of climate change and underpins a green recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
At the end, a Short Film on Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary, Chandigarh was also released by the Governor of Punjab and the Administrator, UT Chandigarh.