With 20,000 volunteers planting over three lakh saplings in just three hours, Faridabad today got its name inked in record books for the largest such plantation drive.
The officials of Limca Book of Records, who were present on the occasion, announced making of the record.
Altogether 2,05,000 saplings, including sturdy Alstonia, riotous Gulmohar blossoms, soothing Neem, Arjuna herbs, lush palms, fragrant Kadams and luscious fruit bearing trees like Guava and Jamun, were planted during 'The Largest Plantation' campaign that was completed in three hours.
Launching the drive, an initiative of Faridabad-based NGO Nav Chetna Trust, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar planted a 'Rudraksh' sapling in the 'Rudraksh Vatika' at the HUDA Town Park here following which he inaugurated a 'Green Carnival', held on this occasion.
R B Moorty, representing Limca Book of Records, said certificates of the same would be sent later, once they are ready.
Khattar said the state government has a target of planting three crores saplings in the state in this season and their physical verification would be conducted in the months of September and October.
"We have a motive to increase the oxygen content in our environment," he said while exhorting people to join hands to increase forest cover.
He said that out of total area of Haryana, only 3.9 per cent was forest area which is quite less and by plantation we have increased this area to seven per cent. Forest department has already set a target to extend this area to 20 per cent and during this year, our objective is to increase this area from seven to 10 per cent.
"'Ghar Ghar Hariyali' campaign has been initiated by the state government which could only succeed if each family joins hands with the government by planting at least one plant. By making such efforts we would gift pollution free environment to our future generations," he added.
Speaking on the occasion, Haryana forest minister Captain Abhimanyu said that the state government was making all efforts to save environment and enhance green cover and called it a "duty" of people to help the government in such initiatives.
Nav Chetna Trust chairman and MLA Faridabad Vipul Goyal said the present government is committed to bringing back the old glory and beauty of district Faridabad.
"The state government has started 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao' campaign and along with our daughters people should pledge to save our motherland also," said Goyal.
Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Krishan Pal Gurjar among others was present on the occasion.
