Haryana govt to start 'Har Gaon Pedon Ki Chhaon' scheme

To create at least one environmentally significant grove in each village during its 'Golden Jubilee' year, the Haryana government plans to implement the 'Har Gaon Pedon Ki Chhaon' scheme, under which plantation of 100 indigenous plants would be undertaken across the state.
The scheme would be implemented from February-March, a spokesman of the Forests Department said here today.
Haryana is celebrating its Golden Jubilee year from November 1, 2016 to October 31, 2017. The state was carved out as a separate entity 50 years ago on November 1, 1966.
The spokesperson said that the scheme was aimed at developing the roadside avenue of approach roads leading to and radiating from the districts, up to a distance of one km.

He said that the department would undertake plantation of trees and shrubs having aesthetic value along such roads.
The spokesman said that plantation would be carried out on panchayat land in consultation with the village panchayats. The native tree species, including fruit-bearing plants, would be preferred, he added.

He said that a city forest was also being developed at Murthal in district Sonipat, covering an area of 116 acres. As many as 16,000 plants of 62 species would be planted in the forest.
The plantation would be carried out from February onw rds. So far, 2,500 tall plants of different species such as Pipal, Neem, Jamun and Chukrasia have been planted in the area, he added.

Apart from this, it is being planned to carry out eco- restoration of the Brahmsar wetland in village Thana, district Kurukshetra, besides developing the area as conservation reserve in view of potential of the water body to support an array of aquatic flora and fauna.
He said that work was also underway to renovate Morni Fort in district Panchkula and develop it as a heritage property.