Maharashtra Govt GR on Implementation of Scheme of Plantation of trees in school in the State dated 15 July 2015

Please find attached link for Maharashtra Govt GR on Implementation of Scheme of Plantation of trees in school in the State dated 15 July 2015.

GR Link | https://www.maharashtra.gov.in/Site/Upload/Government%20Resolutions/English/201507151519498321.pdf

Analysis of the GR

Mandatory for govt schools to hold tree plantation drives

It is now mandatory for government schools to hold tree plantation drives on campus. Private schools will also have an option to undertake the programme.

“To ensure that school students are aware of forests, wild animals, biodiversity and are encouraged to protect these, it is important that tree plantations be carried out in schools are part of the annual festivals between June 5 and August 31,“ said deputy secretary , Avinash Sable referring to the July 15 resolution.

Government schools will receive a package of 20 saplings from the forestry or social forestry department. The package will consist of fruits and flower-bearing trees, shade-giving trees and any others that may be selected by the schools depending on their locations. Private schools can procure the saplings at subsidised prices from the department.

Schools will have to hold tree plantation drives on Independence Day followed by the flag hoisting ceremony . “Every school must ensure that the trees are taken care off, have enough water for a minimum of four years. Care must be taken to ensure that at least 80 to 90% of the trees remain alive,“ the resolution reads.

Principals have welcomed the programme. “Until now, environment awareness was only in the textbooks. This will ensure that the students actually learn about it,“ said Prashant Redij, principal, Hilda Castelino High School, Kandivli.