SHILLONG: The East Khasi Hills District Administration will organize a Mega Tree Plantation Festival on the occasion of International Friendship Day on Wednesday.
As many as 7,00,700 saplings will be planted during the festival which aims to sensitise the public, especially the youth, on the need to ‘befriend nature’.
Accordingly, the theme for the plantation drive is ‘Pledge Friendship with Nature’ and ‘Pledge to make Meghalaya Green’.
East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner, Sanjay Goyal has appealed to people to come out in large numbers and participate in the event.
However, the District Administration has not been able to get any places in Shillong city to organize the tree plantation programme which will be held in the rural areas including the blocks.
Goyal said that the nearest locations where saplings will be planted are Mawpdang and Mawryngkneng.
The Deputy Commissioner, however, said that people from the city can call up 8575069004 to collect free saplings from the Government nursery at Forest Colony.
The plantation drive, which will be conducted in 50 locations, will be carried out by the public at large, local communities, government servants, college and school students. Around 150 schools are likely participate in the programme.
The State Government would also sign agreements with local communities for the preservation of the trees and accordingly funds will be provided for the same.