Lokmat News Network
Aurangabad, July 18: Coronavirus, which has been wreaking havoc on the world for the last 18 months, affected hit the environment-related activities as the dark shadow of Covid is seen on the tree plantation and awareness drives at government, institute and social level in the city these days.
As a result, the forest department is finding it difficult to invite participation of citizens in the drives. More than 48 agencies are working on the government's planting initiative. Large rallies and public awareness programs are not organized due to Covid restrictions. There is also no participation of students of colleges and schools. However, lockdown has reduced the risk of deforestation and animal destruction. Dense forest initiatives are being undertaken in and around the city. The growth of the trees planted in the Harsul and Kanchanwadi areas by the forest department in collaboration with the municipal corporation has been satisfactory.
Tree plantation on 30 hectares
Forest range officer Shashikant Tambe said that the tree planting programmes are vigorously undertaken every year, but that’s not possible this year. However, the department has to complete the works assigned to it. Trees have been planted on 30 hectares in Aurangabad tehsil. It was not possible to evoke support from local schools and colleges, but various agencies are participating in tree planting in their own way.