Samartha Bharath, an NGO, has joined hands with various organisations to plant saplings so as to increase the green cover of the state.

The organisation has set a target of planting one crore saplings in a span of three years. Last year, they planted 14 lakh saplings and 44 lakh seed balls.

Speaking to reporters here on Monday, Rajesh Padmar, state coordinator, Samartha Bharath, said that this year it is planned to plant 50 lakh saplings and 35 lakh seed balls from June 5 to August 15. The one-crore sapling drive is a part of the upcoming World Environment Day that will be observed on June 5.

“Of the saplings and seed balls planted last year, over 70% of them have survived. We have partnered with many youth organisations, educational institutions and clubs such as Rotary Club and Lions Club to plant saplings. We have a record of who has planted where. Regular checks are being made to get a feedback on the survival rate of the plants. Whoever plants a sapling has to take care of it for at least six months to ensure it survives,” Padmar said.

The Samartha Bharath has partnered with 600 volunteers to spread the message and plans to rope in more people.

It has partnered with Karnataka Forest department. Tree guards are also being erected around the plants.

Plants which ecologically plays a significant role are being selected for the campaign. The species will vary from place to place based on local geography. Following suggestions from experts, plants such as Acacia and Eucalyptus have been excluded from the list, he added.