Tripura govt aims to increase forest cover, to plant 15 lakh saplings across state from July

Considering the soil and environmental condition, rubber plantation is very suitable in the hilly and non-farming lands, said Forest minister Animesh Debbarma.

Of the 15 lakh saplings, five lakh would be planted in the first phase during the first week of July while the rest will be planted in the subsequent phases, the minister informed.

Of the 15 lakh saplings, five lakh would be planted in the first phase during the first week of July while the rest will be planted in subsequent phases. (Source: Tripura Tourism)

In order to increase the state’s forest cover, the Tripura government has decided to plant 15 lakh saplings of different varieties in phases from July this year, said Forest minister Animesh Debbarma on Tuesday.

Of the 15 lakh saplings, five lakh would be planted in the first phase during the first week of July while the rest will be planted in the subsequent phases, the minister informed.

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“We want to expand the forest area in Tripura to prevent the vulnerability of the environment and mitigate the after-effects of climate change. Efforts will be taken to protect the saplings,” Debbarma said.

The minister urged people, clubs and organisations to make the tree plantation drive successful by taking part in the programme initiated by the Forest Department.

Debbarma also said that the decision by the Forest Department came after several trees were felled to broaden the national and state highways and for other projects.

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Considering the soil and environmental condition, rubber plantation is very suitable in the hilly and non-farming lands, the minister said. At present, Tripura is in the second largest producer of natural rubber after Kerala. Tripura produces 1,02,989 tonne of rubber annually.

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