Amidst many applaudable developments across the state on the special day of world environment day, Jaisalmer collector Kailash Chand Meena made a very interesting announcement to encourage maximum plantings in the district. He said, “Plant ‘neem’ tree, get a chance to have tea with the collector”.

A special event was organised at ward number 2 Jainarayan Vyas Meena on Monday, where Meena made this unconventional announcement.

At the event, Meena also launched two garbage bins for disposal of wet and dry waste. This function was organised by the municipal council. The event was helmed by municipal council chairperson Kavita Khatri

Not only this, the collector also urged people to do their bit for the environment. He asked people to stop using polythenes for ensuing least damage to Mother Earth. Additionally, people were also asked to deposit 2-3 old saris at the municipal council who could make bags out of them which could replace polythene bags.

The collector assigned the responsibility of handling this campaign to the commissioner who has been asked to focus on maximisation of bag production so that polythenes becomes a thing of the past soon.

The whole agenda behind initiating a string of campaigns is to accelerate Jaisalmer’s journey towards becoming a polythene and plastic-free city.

Jaisalmer Green campaign will be launched in the district from July under which villagers will plant saplings outside their houses. The mantra of ‘one house-one tree’ will be followed, as suggested by Collector Meena.

Around 10,000 saplings will be planted in Kuldhara and 5,000 at Gadisar Lake, etc. Jaisalmer Vikas Samiti, municipality and UIT, sarpanch, patwari, gram sevaks and forest department will help to bolster this drive and make it a success.

Saplings will be planted outside houses in every revenue village. These plants will be taken care by the homeowners with the help of other people and organisations, Collector Meena said.