Punjab Forest and Wildlife Minister Chunni Lal Bhagat today reviewed the 'Greener Punjab Mission', which aims to increase the state's forest cover to 15 per cent from the existing nearly 7 per cent.
After a review meeting, Bhagat said his department has fixed a target of planting 4 crore 75 lakh saplings during the year 2013-14 towards achieving the target.
He also made a mention of the National Forest Policy, that envisages 33 per cent forest cover in the country with an objective of ecological conservation.
Punjab, a predominantly agricultural state, has less than 7 per cent of its area under forest cover, leading to severe ecological degradation and rapidly rising pollution levels, Bhagat said.
Bhagat also stressed on proper care and nurturing of the saplings after their plantation.
