Rourkela, July 8: A plantation drive is being carried out here by the forest department with the help of private organisations and school students on the Vana Mahotsav week.

The Rourkela forest division observed the weeklong annual tree plantation drive on the occasion. To create awareness about protecting the environment, a chariot called the Sabujaratha was pulled at various parts of the city. Activists and students took part in large numbers at the event. Along the path of the chariot, a large number of saplings were planted.

Divisional forest officer (DFO) of Rourkela forest division, Sanjeev Kumar, said that around 14.50 lakh saplings are available for plantation this year, which would be planted with the help of commoners, government and private bodies and farmers.

“People will be provided the saplings free of cost. The saplings include wood producing, non-wood producing forest produce plants, medicinal plants, firewood and fodder sprouts and bamboo saplings,” said Kumar.

Students of many schools actively took part in the drive and planted the saplings at six forest ranges. The Sabujarath was the main attraction this year on the occasion of 65th Vana Mahotsav.

“We request people and organisations to take part in such plantation drives and plant trees in their garden, unused land and everywhere. We must protect our environment,” said the DFO.

The Rourkela Steel Plant also launched a plantation drive in the city. Chief executive officer of RSP, G.S. Prasad inaugurated Ispat Paryavaran Udyan — the site for plantation. The Paryavaran Udyan, spread over 2.5 acres, will be set up by 2014-15. This year, the authorities propose to plant 35,000 saplings in 54.6 acres, including the Ispat Paryavaran Udyan.

Steel plant officials said that so far it has planted more than 41.5 lakh trees in and around Rourkela. To spread greenery further, the horticulture department is developing an unproductive land into a green belt with extensive plantation.

“We have to plant as many trees as possible to counter global warming and protect our environment from all perspectives. The Earth belongs to the next generation and we have to present them a greener future,” said Prasad, while addressing students and employees gathered in the occasion.

Students of most schools and colleges here took part in steel plant’s weeklong drive and planted trees. “It was a good experience of planting trees. We will ensure that we continue such activity throughout our lives,” said a student.