2L more saplings to be added to dist’s green cover

Coimbatore: NGO Vetry Trust is planning to plant two lakh more saplings across the district this year under Vanathukkul Tirupur, its urban forestation initiative. The NGO has planted 19 lakh trees across the district in tribute to former President the late A P J Abdul Kalam over the past nine years.
Under Vanathukkul Tirupur, the NGO documents every sapling, tracks its growth and ensures protection until it grows into a tree.The project focuses on planting native trees on private farmlands and public spaces to increase the green cover and attract birds.
“We have planted one lakh trees so far this year. The remaining two lakh saplings will be planted by the end of this year. We are planting 70 varieties of trees, 90% of which have timber value. The remaining 10% are fruit-bearing trees meant for birds,” said T R Sivaram, managing trustee of the NGO.
The saplings are planted in protected areas with drip irrigation systems, he said. “Prior to planting, soil and water tests are conducted. After planting, saplings are monitored for four years. We ensure regular pruning and drip irrigation thrice a week. The survival rate of saplings exceeds 80%, thanks to continuous monitoring.”
Sivaram that they were spending anywhere between ₹1.5 crore and ₹2 crore on the urban forestation initiative annually. “The expenditure is met from the corporate social responsibility contributions from the private firms. Federal Bank had sponsored ₹74 lakh recently to plant one lakh trees.”