Indore to launch 21-lakh tree plantation drive

Indore: In an effort to expand green cover, Indore district has outlined a target to plant 21 lakh trees during the current monsoon season. Chief minister Mohan Yadav will formally launch the campaign on Sunday by initiating the plantation of one lakh saplings at BSF campus in Budaniya range.To ensure higher survival rates, the drive will exclusively utilize mature saplings measuring between 6 and 10 feet in height.About the ecological challenges posed by Budaniya’s rocky terrain, minister Kailash Vijayvargiya said that a dedicated water pipeline would be laid directly from Yashwant Sagar reservoir to secure regular irrigation. A specialized maintenance team and expert consultants have been appointed to oversee the long-term survival of the flora.Key locations designated for mass afforestation this season include Devguradiya Tekri area (over 1 lakh saplings), Sirpur Pond area (1 lakh saplings) and Rau Pond Banks (10,000 saplings). The drive features climate-resilient and fruit-bearing species under the ‘Maa Ki Bagiya’ concept, including Mahogany, Neem, Banyan, Peepal, Mango, and Pomegranate.