Ludhiana Residents Offered Affordable Tree Saplings for Just Rs 2

In a move to boost tree planting, the Ludhiana forest department is currently offering tree saplings to residents for as little as Rs 2 each. The department has set an ambitious target of planting over 150,000 saplings across the district during July and August.

With 18 lakh saplings kept in 31 nurseries spread throughout the district, the forest department is making these affordable plants widely available. Typically, these saplings would have cost Rs 20-25 if purchased from the open market.

Encouraged by the high survival rate of 88% for last year's planted saplings, the department is confident in its ability to increase the city's green cover. According to the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Rajesh Kumar Gulati, the Punjab government has taken this initiative to mark the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Teg Bahadur.

The DFO further stated that any NGO or individual interested in planting trees can approach the forest office or visit the 31 nurseries to obtain the discounted saplings. For larger orders of over 1,000 saplings, officials will first inspect the planting site to ensure adequate space is available.

The district administration is also actively promoting this tree plantation drive, with the Deputy Commissioner already conducting meetings with various departments to secure 6 lakh saplings, 2 lakh of which have already been planted.