Jaya formally launches massive tree planting scheme

As part of increasing green cover in the city, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa today inaugurated a massive tree planting scheme in which 65 lakh saplings would be planted, coinciding with her 65th birthday celebrations on February 24. Against the backdrop of the success of planting 64 lakh tree saplings last year, it has been decided to plant 65 lakh saplings as part of the birthday celebrations, an official release here said. Jayalalithaa formally kickstarted the scheme today by planting the sapling of a banyan tree near the famous Marina beach, the release said. In the first phase, 2.08 lakh saplings belonging to various family of trees, would be planted in all the districts of the state between February 24 and 28, the release said. Soon after the North East Monsoon sets in later this year, 61,32,000 tree saplings would be planted in the districts at parks along the roadside. Several saplings belonging to various families of trees including Margosa and banyan that would withstand drought conditions, would be planted as part of this initiative, it said.