Kerala converts 779 acres barren land into forest through Pachathuruth

Kerala is making major strides in converting barren land into forest through its environmental project “Pachathuruth”. As per the latest data, over 779 acres of land have been brought under green cover through the project which is being implemented by Haritha Kerala Mission.

“The Pachathuruth project aims to increase green cover by planting trees in barren lands. It has helped to rejuvenate and conserve green ecosystems. Through the joint efforts of local self-government bodies, Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme and Ayyankali Urban Employment Guarantee Scheme, the area of Pachathuruth has been increased to 779 acres,” said an official statement.

Officials said the goal of the project is to create natural biological diversity by planting fruit trees and native plants, including in public areas. Pachathuruth can help to reduce the harmful effects of climate change by absorbing and storing excess carbon in the atmosphere. “We have also entered into a tie-up with government schools as part of the project. We successfully implemented the project in all high schools and higher secondary schools in Thrissur district.

In the first phase, 210 schools were covered as part of the project and 17.85 acres have been covered,” said an officer of Haritha Kerala Mission. The project is being implemented in all districts by ensuring the active participation of local bodies and it covers government and private lands in rural and urban areas.

The Biodiversity Board, Department of Agriculture, Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGA), Social Forestry Division of Forest Department, environmental organizations, educational institutions, and district-level technical committees, including environmental activists, biodiversity experts, experienced afforestation workers, agricultural experts, people’s representatives and local social workers coordinate the activities of the project. Each district has a coordination committee to identify right seed and sapling for planting as part of the project.