Rajahmundry, July 14^th: The social forestry wing of the forest department has come up with grand plans to take up massive plantation for the next rainy season to improve the green cover in the state. They propose to supply nearly two lakh seedlings of various species to each mandals to farmers. There are also plans to set up nurseries to raise seedling for supply to each mandal.

Proposals were made to take up plantations in several areas covering about 200km in each district. The authorities were expecting funds for the same from both State and Central government. Under the convergence mode of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, forest authorities will also get funds to raise plantations and take up works to protect and conserve forests by providing employment to job seekers.

Social forestry authorities organized ‘Vana Mahotsav’ on June 12 to bring about awareness among the general public on the importance of raising plants to maintain ecological balance. A large number of school students from various educational institutions were also roped into the program to make them aware on the importance of raising plants on the premises of their institutions and also in the backyards of their houses.