DW BUREAU / Chandigarh Punjab Information and Public Relations Minister Mr. Aman Arora today started the 'Amrit Van' campaign to afforest 600 acres of panchayat land in Sangrur district by planting saplings at village Badrukhan. Speaking on the occasion, the Cabinet Minister said that under this campaign, a unique effort has been made by the district administration with the support of Round Glass Foundation to increase the area under forest in Sangrur district. To fulfil the promise made by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Mr. Aman Arora said that a drive has successfully been carried out to free the illegally occupied panchayat lands and now, this campaign has been started to develop mini forests in Punjab. He said that the Aam Aadmi Party-led government has prepared a draft for the all-round development of Punjab under which activities would be visible soon at the ground level. Mr. Aman Arora said that there are 8 blocks in the Sangrur district and under this campaign, 75 acres of land was being identified in each block where dense mini forests are to be developed for greenery. He said that the main purpose of this campaign was to connect the new generation with the forests and this will not only help in keeping the environment clean but also provide habitat for many animals and birds. He said that the administration will plant only native varieties of trees of Punjab on an area of at least 1 kanal to 10 acres. The cabinet minister said that besides increasing the area under forests, the goal has also been set to increase the income of people and panchayats under which orchids were also being planted in villages. He said that proper care of the plantations will be ensured under the MGNREGA scheme as around 6,60,000 man-days will be created in the first year. He said that in the same way, the 'Van Mittars' will be given employment of about 3 lakh man-days in the second year for the proper nurturing of saplings. Mr. Arora said that the state government led by the Aam Aadmi Party has continuously taken steps to bring positive changes in Punjab and this campaign was also a big step towards making the state clean & green again. government in increasing the forest area of Punjab. (editor@dailyworld.in)