Govt institutes Maniram Gond Hariyar Award

Chief Minister Dr. Raman Singh has called upon the various State Government Departments, common citizens and several industries to plant at least seven crore saplings in state.

He called upon the Forest Department officials to conduct physical verification by third party for impartial and transparent procedure. Chief Minister was addressing a Hariyar Chhattisgarh Afforestation Mega-Mission review meeting with senior officials at Mantralaya (Mahanadi Bhawan) on Saturday. He gave necessary instructions to the Department officials. He called upon the senior officers to ensure massive people's participation in the large-scale afforestation drive in the entire State.

Raman Singh set a target of planting seven crore saplings in two- month period (till August). Forest Minister Mahesh Gaagda, Chief Secretary Ajay Singh and senior Department officers were present. Chief Minister also announced that Hariyar Chhattisgarh Award will be instituted in the name of legendary Forest Guard Maniram Gond. He planted 'Sagon' saplings on a nine hectare area at village Gidhpuri district Raipur (current North Forest Division) around 117 years ago in 1891. Britishers did not like the idea of Maniral Gond. His services were terminated.

Maniram started residing in a temporary shelter and guarding the plantations. The trees grew up to 185 centimetre in perimeter and 30 metre in length in the year 1982. Maniram Plantations still bring back the memories of a great person of his dedication to greenery.

Raman Singh called upon the officers to tend the saplings till three years. He also said that plants should not be purchased from outside the State. There are enough saplings available in the Forest Department nurseries.

Chief Minister Raman Singh expressed his displeasure over the lack of interest of prominent industries in the afforestation drive last year. He called upon Chief Secretary to conduct a meeting of all managements and encourage them to participate in large numbers. He instructed the officers to plant fruit-bearing saplings in large numbers.

Raman Singh said that cashew nut and jackfruit ('Katahal') saplings should be planted in large numbers in Bastar and Surguja. Plantation of mango saplings by side of the roads should be done so that citizens can get both fruits and shade for a long time to come. Chief Minister stressed upon the need to plant saplings according to local soil and climatic conditions. He added that great work had been done in certain areas and it should be publicized.