The Husma Dena Thuru National Tree Planting Program has been launched by the Ministry of Environment to increase the number of trees throughout the country.
Accordingly, more than 1.5 million saplings have been planted so far this year under the Husma Dena Thuru tree planting program implemented by the Ministry of Environment.
Minister of Environment Mahinda Amaraweera participated in a progress review discussion on the Husma Dena Thuru National Tree Planting Program held Ministry of Environment yesterday (28). There these facts were revealed.
More than one million saplings have been planted island wide under the Nekathata Pelayak ‘ program for the Sinhala and Hindu New Year. In addition, more than 500,000 saplings were planted on Valentine’s Day.
Meanwhile World Environment Day and World Scout Day also planted the saplings. Saplings were also planted in the high watersheds of the hills with the assistance of the private sector.
Also, 187,000 Kumbuk and Mee saplings were planted on both sides of the Mahaweli river banks. Also, 10,000 saplings were planted at 10 places in the island on the occasion of Army Day.
At present, 120 herbal tree gardens have been established under the herbal Plants Program. All of these were implemented under the Husma Dena Thuru program.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Environment Mahinda Amaraweera instructed to take steps to plant saplings rainy season arrive the country again.
Accordingly, approximately Rs. 09 million was allocated for planting in seven districts. Under this Monaragala Rs. 01 m, Kegalle Rs. 1.2 million, Trincomalee Rs. 1.5m, Hambantota Rs. 1.5m, Badulla Rs. 01m, Colombo Rs. 1.2m and Rs. 1.5 m. for Gampaha An amount of Rs. 09 million was allocated for Husma Dena Thuru tree planting programme.
The government aims to increase the forest cover to 30 percent by 2025. At present the forest cover in our country is 29 percent. The Minister also said that 16,000 hectares of new a forestation would be required to increase it to 30 percent.
Therefore, this amount will be provided for the next two months under the Husma dena Thuru National Tree Planting Program and the government will provide financial assistance for this purpose annually in the next few years as well, the Minister explained.