Haliyal: “Protecting and growing forests is not the  sole responsibility of the Forest Department alone. Even people must contribute towards afforestation”, said District incharge RV Deshpande at the ‘Koti Vruksha’ (crore plants) campaign organized by Forest Department by planting a sapling at the Kreeda Bhavan in Haliyal on Saturday.

15 lakh saplings are being planted in the district under ‘Koti Vruksha’ (crore plants) campaign.

Speaking after the initiation of the campaign,  Mr Deshpande said that like man who needs health and security facilities, plants also need care and conservation. Therefore, it is the responsibility of every person to take care of plants like their  own children.

Asking people not to encroach forest areas, he directed the officials to ensure that encroachment does not take places. He said that stringent action against such perpetrators. 

On the occasion, students of VVD School of Excellence staged a drama ‘Vruksho Rakshito Rakshitaha’ emphasising the importance of forest. Sapling of teak were given to beneficiaries under the Krishi Aranya Protsaha Yohjana.

MLC SL Ghotnekar said that man’s selfish motives have resulted in destruction of forest. The forest can be replenished only by planting more trees and allowing them to grow.

TMC President Prema Toraankatti presided over the programme. Zilla Panchayat CEO Ramprasath Manohar, ZP members, forest officers and others were present.