<p>The innovative method of afforestation was used on an experimental basis because the traditional way of planting trees at Rajgir hills has become quite difficult, owing to its topography.<br /><br />Confirming this, Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi, who also holds the additional charge of Environment and Forests, said “if the airdropping of seeds at Rajgir hills proves to be successful, we will repeat this method of plantation on other hills/hillocks in different parts of the State.”<br /><br />The move assumes significance as the Nitish government has decided to increase Bihar’s forest cover area from a meagre 6.85 per cent and bring it at par with the stipulated 33 per cent of the total geographical area.<br /><br />Against this backdrop, a massive afforestation drive will be carried out throughout the State on August 9, Earth Day. At least six crore seeds and saplings will be planted across Bihar by students, eco clubs, panchayats, NGOs, Lions and Rotary clubs, rural families, and the officials of department of Environment and Forests.<br /><br />“We will involve students of all ages in the 3,500 government high schools and private high schools in this plantation drive. Besides, each of the 8,500 panchayats will be involved in the drive through MNREGA,” said Modi. <br /><br /></p>
<p>The innovative method of afforestation was used on an experimental basis because the traditional way of planting trees at Rajgir hills has become quite difficult, owing to its topography.<br /><br />Confirming this, Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi, who also holds the additional charge of Environment and Forests, said “if the airdropping of seeds at Rajgir hills proves to be successful, we will repeat this method of plantation on other hills/hillocks in different parts of the State.”<br /><br />The move assumes significance as the Nitish government has decided to increase Bihar’s forest cover area from a meagre 6.85 per cent and bring it at par with the stipulated 33 per cent of the total geographical area.<br /><br />Against this backdrop, a massive afforestation drive will be carried out throughout the State on August 9, Earth Day. At least six crore seeds and saplings will be planted across Bihar by students, eco clubs, panchayats, NGOs, Lions and Rotary clubs, rural families, and the officials of department of Environment and Forests.<br /><br />“We will involve students of all ages in the 3,500 government high schools and private high schools in this plantation drive. Besides, each of the 8,500 panchayats will be involved in the drive through MNREGA,” said Modi. <br /><br /></p>