Loisingha, July 22 UDN}: The 77th Van Mahotsav was celebrated on Sunday near Karkachia under the Agalpur Block of the Loisingha Forest Range in the Balangir Forest Division. On the occasion, around 6,000 saplings of various fruit-bearing, medicinal and other species were planted across an area of 6.4 hectares.
Local MLA and Health Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling, who attended the programme as the chief guest, inaugurated the “MLA Forest Project.” A meeting was also organised under the chairmanship of Divisional Forest Officer Ajit Bishi. Chief guest Minister Mahaling, Balangir ACF Manas Ranjan Behera and Loisingha Forest Range Officer Anand Chandra Bishi were present on the dais.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister Mahaling said necessary steps would be taken in the future to develop the newly afforested “MLA Forest Project” as a forest tourism destination. He said people would be able to visit the area for morning walks and recreational purposes at different times. He also urged the Forest Department and the public to remain vigilant and actively contribute to the protection of both the restored forest and the existing old forest areas.
According to information provided by the Forest Department, around 4.5 lakh saplings were planted in the district last year. This year, the department has set a target of planting more than 6 lakh saplings, of which over 4 lakh saplings have already been planted.
ACF Manas Ranjan Behera informed that the department has also planned to distribute around 8.5 lakh saplings to the public from various nurseries across the district. So far, nearly 1 lakh saplings have already been distributed.
Various species, including Harida, Bahada, Amla, Mango, Jackfruit, Jamun, Dumur, Bija, Karanja and Red Sandalwood, have been planted in the MLA Forest Project.
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