CR does highest plantation on railway land

The Central Railway had done the highest ever tree plantation on railway land and across the rail tracks in association with Forest Department of Maharashtra state government.

More than 2,73,000 saplings were planted till the end of July 31, 2018, all over Central Railway including Solapur, Bhusawal, Nagpur, Pune and Mumbai divisions.

Out of these, 1,54,000 saplings were planted by Railways covering 231 hectares land and 52 km track length.

Priority was given for plantation of local trees such as 'Neem', 'Imali', 'Jamun', Banyan, 'Pipal' etc. for better survival. Saplings of more than four feet height were planted after necessary earthwork. These trees will be maintained for next three years by Forest Department of Maharashtra State. Fencing has also ensured better survival of plants.

In this regard, a MoU was signed last year with the Department of Forest, Government of Maharashtra and offered huge railway land for block tree plantation and both sides of track length. Engineering Department, Environment and Housekeeping Management Wing and other Railway departments were involved in tree plantation.

This activity began from June 5, 2018, ie World Environment Day, and will be continued till the end of monsoon season.

Out of these 2,73,000 saplings planted on Central Railway, Bhusawal Division had contributed for plantation of 1,29,000 saplings, Nagpur Division had contributed 65,000 saplings, Solapur Division had contributed 45,000 saplings. Divisions and EnHM Wing had done excellent coordination with the Forest Department due to which huge tree plantations could be done for the first time. During Vanmohostav Railway Officers, staff, officials of Maharashtra State Government, Scout and Guides, school children etc were involved in this drive. These trees will not only add greenery but also will result in reducing air pollution and improve the eco cycle.