A Massive Green Revolution Adorns the River Banks, Transforming Chhattisgarh’s Landscape into a Verdant Paradise
Chhattisgarh’s scenic beauty takes a leap forward as the “River Bank Tree Plantation” programme reaches a momentous milestone of planting over 46.76 lakh saplings on the banks of 40 different rivers in a span of four years. The project, diligently directed by the state’s Chief Minister and Forest Department, has rejuvenated 4,321 hectares of river bank area, filling it with an array of colourful fruit-bearing and flowering plants.
A Green Initiative under Distinguished Leadership
The tree plantation initiative found its impetus under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and Forest and Climate Change Minister Mohammad Akbar. The programme, funded through CAMPA and departmental resources, has seen significant strides in its effort to beautify the river banks and combat climate change.
Rivers Revitalized across the State
The campaign has witnessed the greening of several rivers, including the Shivnath, Indravati, Phulakdei, and many others. The efforts have spanned the entire state, bringing lush greenery to the otherwise bare banks and turning the spaces into picturesque landscapes.
Guided by the Chief Minister and the Forest and Climate Change Minister, this initiative funded through CAMPA and departmental resources has greened 4,321 hectares of river bank.
Yearly Progress and Achievements
The effort has seen consistent growth over the years, starting from 9.14 lakh saplings in 2019 to 11 lakh saplings in 2022. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force, V Srinivasa Rao, elaborates on the consistent progress achieved in each year under this programme.
Benefitting the Local Communities and Ecosystem
The plantation drive has not only transformed the river banks but also proved to be a boon for local communities and farmers. By creating employment, aiding in farming, reducing soil erosion, and increasing income through fruit-bearing trees, the programme has significantly impacted the livelihoods of villagers. In addition, the initiative has also facilitated commercial vegetable production on the river banks.
The River Bank Tree Plantation Programme in Chhattisgarh has successfully planted over 46.76 lakh saplings on the banks of 40 rivers over the past four years.
Table summarizing the key facts about the River Bank Tree Plantation Programme:
| Key Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Program Name | River Bank Tree Plantation Programme |
| Location | Chhattisgarh, India |
| Duration | Last 4 years (2019-2022) |
| Total Saplings Planted | 46.76 lakh |
| Total Area Covered | 4,321 hectares |
| Rivers Covered | 40 different rivers |
| Supervision | Under the guidance of Chief Minister Shri Bhupesh Baghel and Forest and Climate Change Minister Shri Mohammad Akbar |
| Funding | CAMPA and Departmental funds |
| Employment Created | 9.63 lakh human days |
| Benefitted Villages | 372 nearby villages |
| Environmental Impact | Increase in green cover, reduction in soil erosion, boost in crop production |
| Economic Impact | Income increase in local communities through farming and vegetable production, commercial vegetable production |
| Yearly Breakdown | |
| 2019 | 9.14 lakh saplings over 831 hectares |
| 2020 | 8.77 lakh saplings over 845 hectares |
| 2021 | 17.87 lakh saplings over 1,647 hectares |
| 2022 | 11 lakh saplings over 999 hectares |
