The Tamil Nadu Government has sanctioned Rs 50.50 lakh towards planting of trees in rocky terrain and distribution of free seedlings to schools, health and educational institutions. This is in a bid to increase the green cover in the State to 33.33 per cent as stipulated in the National Forest Policy.
According to a report from the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, the State presently has a forest cover of 18.16 per cent, while the National Forest Policy of 1988 says 33.33 per cent of the land has to be maintained under forests and tree cover.
The Government has also sanctioned Rs 32.50 lakh this year to distribute seedlings in schools.