Jaipur, April 4 (NationPress) Rajasthan's Chief Minister, Bhajan Lal Sharma, announced on Saturday that a significant goal of planting 100 million saplings during the forthcoming monsoon season is pivotal under the ‘Mission Hariyalo Rajasthan’ initiative. This program aims to convert the state into a more vibrant and green environment.

While leading a comprehensive review meeting at the Chief Minister’s Office, Sharma instructed the officials from the Forest and Environment Department to devise an extensive action plan and ensure ongoing supervision of the plantation initiative. He also emphasized the need for the Chief Secretary to personally monitor the progress.

The Chief Minister assessed the plantation goals alongside the advancement of sandalwood forests, ‘Namo Van,’ and ‘Namo Nursery’ projects, highlighting the necessity for collaborative efforts among various departments to achieve the targets.

The plantation campaign is set to commence on World Environment Day (June 5) and will intensify during the monsoon months of July, August, and September. Sharma urged departments to finalize preparatory tasks such as site identification, fencing, and pit excavation ahead of schedule and instructed the Forest Department to maintain close collaboration with all relevant stakeholders.

To enhance the implementation process, he directed the Revenue Department to assist in locating appropriate land for planting trees and proposed cooperation with Indian Railways to conduct planting activities on railway properties. The Public Works Department has been assigned the responsibility of formulating district-wise plans for plantation alongside major roads and grazing lands.

Focusing on ecological aspects, the Chief Minister insisted that plantation efforts should correspond with soil suitability and directed prioritization of Goolar (cluster fig) trees under the mission.

He also recommended utilizing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds to aid in maintenance, including arranging water tankers for saplings at Forest Guard offices, and encouraged the involvement of ‘Vrikshamitras’ (Tree Friends).

Under the ‘Chief Minister’s Mega Tree Plantation Campaign’ (Mukhyamantri Vriksharopan Mahaabhiyan), fruit-bearing saplings will be provided free of charge to farmers. Sharma further instructed the Minister of State for Forests and Environment to evaluate proposed sandalwood forest locations in Udaipur, Sirohi, and Banswara, ensuring essential preparations like fencing and drip irrigation are in place.

The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of planting in hilly, forested, and wildlife sanctuary areas, including through drone seeding techniques. He also mandated that one ‘Namo Nursery’ be established in each district as a priority, and called for a phased strategy to develop ‘Namo Vans’ in every Panchayat Samiti.

As part of ‘Mission Hariyalo Rajasthan,’ the state has set a target of planting 50 crore saplings from 2024 to 2028. In 2024, against a goal of 7 crore saplings, 7.22 crore were successfully planted, while in 2025, over 11.74 crore saplings were planted compared to a target of 10 crore.

The meeting saw participation from the Minister of State for Forests and Environment (Independent Charge) Sanjay Sharma; Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Akhil Arora; Additional Chief Secretary, Forests and Environment, Anand Kumar; along with other senior officials. Chief Secretary V. Srinivas participated via video conference.