The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) organised a nationwide plantation drive and planted around 1.25 lakh saplings in one day through simultaneous plantations at 114 identified locations.
This day-long initiative was launched at Nagpur on Sunday by Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways. NHAI’s aim is to achieve 75 lakh plantations till August 15 2022 to mark the Amrit Mahotsav, celebrating 75 years of India’s Independence.
In his address Gadkari said that the ministry has been focusing on plantation and transplantation of trees. A lot of emphasis is also on geotagging of these saplings so that the progress and growth of these plants can be monitored. He also called upon people to come forward and participate in this programme to have a sustainable and long lasting impact of the plantation drive.
Under ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ NHAI has taken many initiatives that include plantation drives and creation of ponds or ‘Amrit Sarovars’ near the National Highways that help to rejuvenate water bodies and ground water.
The drive saw active participation from public representatives, local people of civil society, NGOs, college students and women Self Help Groups (SHGs) in different states.